By Staff Reporter
Beitbridge – A fierce public backlash has erupted in Beitbridge as public transporters, known as Zvipipipi, attempt to impose a 50% fare increase, sparking widespread outrage and calls for a boycott.
The proposed hike would see fares rise from 10 Rand to 15 Rand, a move commuters have branded as unjustified . A survey conducted by Ziyah News Network has revealed many commuters are vowing to boycott the transport service until the increase is scrapped.
“It’s daylight robbery that is not justified at all!” exclaimed one commuter. “They’re taking advantage of the absence of proper public transportation to gang up against the people,” he added
Others have called for the regularisation of the transport system, demanding an end to the pirate taxis which are the only mode of transport. “It’s time for a proper, legal transport system, residents must organise to say no to this attempt to build a cartel of heartless transport system, their days are numbered” said another commuter.”
Some transport operators are still charging the original fare of 10 Rand, fueling hopes that the increase may be reversed citing the unavailability of willing customers for the new fare.
“I am all for money but lets be honest, the people have no money, we are going through hard times and I can’t be circulating around rejecting 10 Rand when I know very few are willing to part with that raised fare,” indicated one Chipipipi driver
Beitbridge town has no organised legal public transport system, leaving commuters at the mercy of operators who are a law unto themselves. The Competition and Tariff Commission was recently in the border town educating consumers of their rights and the issue of Zvipipipi took centre stage during the indaba