THE Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has confirmed the poor state of bus terminuses in the country, following complaints from the travelling public being denied access to free public toilets at Kudzanai bus terminus in Gweru.PAZ national co-ordinator Tafadzwa Goliath said the association received numerous complaints from passengers denied access to free public toilets by marshals at Kudzanai despite being in possession of bus tickets.“Despite buses paying for ranking vouchers, passengers are being charged for toilet use, causing inconvenience and distress,” he said.Goliath also mentioned that the issue does not only affect passengers, but has an impact on bus operators.“This issue affects both passengers and bus operators, potentially leading to buses avoiding the termini or risking Environmental Management Agency charges for using alternative facilities,” he said.“We urge the Gweru city officials and other authorities to consider clarifying whether ranking vouchers cover passenger facilities, providing free public toilets or revising the voucher system and ensuring accessible and clean facilities for passengers.”Goliath noted that passengers with valid bus tickets should be allowed access to public toilets, giving the example of Harare Roadport long-distance bus terminus and the airport, where even a visitor is allowed to use the premises."A collaborative effort between authorities, bus operators and passenger associations is crucial to finding a mutually beneficial solution," he said.
