Authorities tighten reins on Kombi operations

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe's Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, has announced new regulations to curb road traffic accidents involving commuter omnibuses

Effective September 3, 2024, kombis will be restricted to operating within a 60-kilometer radius of their route permits. Previously, they were allowed to travel up to 120 kilometers.

The decision is aimed at mitigating the increasing number of road accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries. Minister Mhona emphasized that the new route restrictions will apply to new permit applications, while existing permits will remain valid until their expiration.

"As the Ministry endeavors to mitigate against road traffic crashes involving kombis, a policy position has been taken to review the current radius-based restrictions for kombis on the issuance of route permits from 120 km to 60 km," Minister Mhona stated.

He explained that the policy shift will affect all 26-seater kombis and smaller vehicles, restricting their operations to within a 60 km radius. Commuters traveling longer distances are encouraged to use high-capacity buses, which offer greater comfort, reliability, and safety.

In addition to route restrictions, all public service vehicles are now required to install speed limiting and monitoring devices. Minister Mhona emphasized the importance of these devices in preventing excessive speeding and ensuring compliance with road regulations.

"Kombis operating within the 60 km radius are prohibited from operating without installation of speed limiting and monitoring devices," Minister Mhona said.He called upon inspection officers to strictly enforce the law and ensure that no kombi operator, driver, or owner is issued a certificate of fitness unless the required devices are installed