By Own Correspondent- Public transporters here have hiked transport fares in Harare, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.

The move, attributed to the disappearance of makeshift ZUPCO buses plying the majority of urban routes has seen the kombi operators cashing in on desperate commuters.

Commuters who spoke to ZimEye called on government to ensure the availability of fuel for the ZUPCO buses plying urban routes.

Said Florence Vhiriri from Chitungwiza:

“Kombi operators are in the habit of taking advantage of commuters especially when transport is scarce. The ZUPCO buses were regulating the transport fares and if they are to stop plying these routes, very soon, we will be back to the old days where one can just wake up and tell you that the kombi fare is $5.”

Added another commuter only identified as Mai Takunda:

“The hike in kombi fares makes coming to work useless because we are not getting any salary increment. Things are harder for us because then it means you are simply working for transport.”

Fears of fuel shortages due to the disruption of key oil infrastructure at Beira in Mozambique by Cyclone Idai-induced floods has plunged motorists in panic mode, a development which has seen fuel queues resurfacing.

In some Harare suburbs, the kombis have increased fares from $1.00 to $1.50. Chitungwiza commuters are paying between $2.50 to $3.00 per trip. However, the ZUPCO buses charge $1.50 per trip for the same route.