The Sunday News
Nozipho Rutsate, Sunday News Reporter
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe has seen a massive jump in the number of commuters using its trains in Bulawayo with indications that more than 2 000 people are using the train daily.
However, the demand has created problems for the company as some commuters are now taking advantage of the large number of people to evade paying, officials have confirmed.
In an interview, NRZ spokesman Mr Nyasha Maravanyika said demand has gone up but there were a number of issues that were emerging due to the system being overwhelmed.
NRZ charges 50 cents for a trip while commuter omnibuses only reduced their fares to a $1 per trip last week after the Government introduced public transport system through Zupco.
The commuter train service, which is available in the morning and evening plies the City-Cowdray Park route and it services residents of Entumbane, Emakhandeni, Luveve and Cowdray Park.
However, residents of other nearby suburbs such as Njube, Lobengula Mpopoma, Magwegwe also board the train.
“On a normal operation, a train is not supposed to have standing passengers but we are overwhelmed as everyone is relying on the commuter trains to reduce transport expenses and we cannot chase them away.
“It is very much unfortunate that when we offer our services assisting passengers to reduce on their transport expenses, some of them want to get anything for nothing. This immoral act disadvantages the company,” said Mr Maranyika.
Mr Maravanyika said NRZ was short-staffed in the commuter trains department hence ticket operators and security officers were failing to fully verify and check if all passengers have paid.
“A coach has a carrying capacity of up to 100 passengers, so we started off with eight coaches and up to date we have at least 18 coaches which can accommodate a maximum of 1 800. As of January 29, we have received a report of over 2 000 passengers.
“There is chaos especially at the Esigodweni train station as everyone will be trying to board the train. Fortunately, the recently deployed police and army officers have been assisting our security officers manage passengers,” said Mr Maravanyika.
He said the company was in the process of hiring more ticket operators to ease the pressure.
“We will not only be working on improving our ticket services but introducing a commuter train route from Emganwini to town.”
It is alleged that passengers were disembarking the commuter train while it is still in motion to evade paying.
“Passengers must not disembark the commuter train while in motion. Most of the passengers jumping off the train when moving will either be drunk or running away from not paying. It is also not safe to board a moving train,” he said.
