Bulawayo City Council says illegal commuter omnibus operators and declining compliance by registered transport providers are undermining efforts to create a safe and efficient public transport system, amid renewed calls for tougher enforcement in the city centre.
A report to the town, lands and planning committee shows vehicle registrations under the city’s Public Transport Policy fell sharply over the past two months, from 193 in March to 68 in May, a 49% decrease.
Only five operators Tshova Mubaiwa, Bulawayo City Transit Trust, Bupta Limited, Vuta Taxis and BUWTRA are authorised to provide intra-city services.
Council said it has engaged transport associations, Vehicle Registration Department, police and the Ministry of Transport to improve compliance.
To curb illegal operations, council has installed concrete barricades along Herbert Chitepo Street between Ninth and Eighth avenues, with plans to extend them to Fifth Avenue.
However, operators have shifted to the corner of Basch Street and Sixth Avenue, prompting increased enforcement.
Councillors expressed concern over unregistered commuter omnibuses using yellow number plates outside the approved system.
Councillor Susan Sithole noted illegal pick-up points had increased despite policy requirements.
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Councillor Adrian Moyo welcomed the barricades, saying consistent enforcement would encourage use of designated termini, including Egodini Mall, which he said is underutilised.
He added that compliant companies deserved to benefit from stricter enforcement.
Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu urged deployment of more municipal police to combat illegal activities and ease congestion, particularly along Ninth Avenue near Dominican Convent High School during peak hours.
Responding to reports that some CBD roads could become one-way, the town lands department said the proposal is part of long-term planning under Local Subject Plan Number Four and would only be implemented if traffic volumes continue to rise.
Town clerk Christopher Dube said corruption had worsened the situation, alleging that some unregistered commuter omnibuses were owned by law enforcement officers, making enforcement difficult.
He said council is pinning hopes on the establishment of municipal courts and granting arrest powers to municipal police, proposals currently before the Attorney General’s Office.
Council said completion of the Egodini Terminus, continued installation of barricades, stronger enforcement and closer engagement with operators remain central to restoring order to the city’s public transport system.
