Story by Peter Chivhima
TRANSPORT operators have welcomed government reforms announced on Thursday aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the transport sector, saying the measures will lower operating costs, enhance compliance and improve service delivery.
The reforms, unveiled as part of broader economic adjustment measures, include significant reductions in public service vehicle operator licence fees and route permit charges, as well as the removal of selected regulatory requirements viewed by industry players as costly and repetitive.
Operators say the changes will ease financial pressure on businesses and encourage greater adherence to regulations across the sector.
“As transport operators, we are happy with the government. I want to thank the Second Republic and the Head of State, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for this. This will go a long way toward promoting compliance. As transport operators, we are going to comply with the regulations,” bus operator, Tinoziva Tsvangirai said.
“We are grateful to the government for scrapping driver retesting, that’s a huge relief thanks for slashing number plate fees too, from US$500 to US$50, that’s a game-changer for our business. This will definitely improve our cash flow and help us serve our customers better. Thank you, government, for listening to our pleas,” another operator, Afra Nhanhanga added.
“We have been paying a lot of money through route permits so we are happy that the government heard our cries. The government is always on us and we want to thank them. This development will go a long way in boosting our operations,” HYTTA chairperson, Edmore Gwengwe said.
The policy adjustments come against the backdrop of ongoing investments in road rehabilitation and infrastructure development, which government says are critical to supporting economic activity and improving the efficiency of public transport services nationwide.
