The government has reinstated the operating licenses for three public transport operators previously suspended due to their involvement in fatal road accidents in March this year. This announcement was made by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona, during a media briefing in Harare on Monday.
The affected companies, Swaymo Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd trading as Bluecircle, Wipeco Investments (Pvt) Ltd trading as City Bus, and Simplex Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, will resume operations effective June 3, 2024.
Minister Mhona emphasized that all bus operators will now be subject to a Compliance Monitoring Programme to ensure adherence to regulatory standards. This programme will also extend to any operators found violating their license conditions. Enforcement will be a joint effort involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), while the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe will conduct road safety campaigns to promote safer road usage.
The suspension of the licenses followed breaches of the terms and conditions after the companies’ buses were involved in fatal accidents.
In addition, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development plans to enhance the monitoring of public transport regulations using Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving road safety standards.
