Stoneridge Park residents feel let down by ZUPCO

Stoneridge Park residents bemoan being let down by ZUPCO buses, such that they are being forced to commute with other bus operators and kombis whose fares are beyond their pockets’ ability.

Stoneridge Park (Waterfalls) is in Harare South near Irvines and Manyame Park in Chitungwiza.

“I work in the CBD and I am forced to fork out between ZWL600 and USD2 every day to get to and from work and the rate of exchange changes daily. At times in the evening, I fork out USD1.50. I have a child who goes to school in Highfield and a wife who also works in town. Where are the ZUPCO buses? They are not consistent, hardly available, especially Mandaza the major player,” bemoans Gilson Mapiye a self-employed tailor with a shop in town.

ZUPCO buses have been seen as being able to help civil servants, security guards, vendors, and other own account employees, who are struggling against inflation and exchange rate distortions.

The Stoneridge Park Communities are bitter as Southlands, Hopley and largely Chitungwiza are being easily serviced by ZUPCO buses and this is despite the fact that DDF buses leave commuters at the Chitungwiza Road DDF. A number of commuters are forced to walk 3km to their homes to Chireya, Chibwe (Mugarisanwa), and Lorna among other places.

Passengers Association of Zimbabwe Coordinator, Mr. Tafadzwa Goliati said his organisation has engaged ZUPCO to provide practical service to the Stoneridge Park community.