The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company is preparing for a major rebranding exercise as new data reveals the true state of its bus fleet and financial performance, amid growing pressure to improve public transport services.
According to internal figures, ZUPCO officials say “the company has 490 buses under its name, but the effective fleet is much smaller due to write-offs, outsourcing and breakdowns.” The source added that “on any given day, only between 260 and 300 buses are actually on the road.”
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Of the 432 buses acquired in 2019, 33 have since been written off due to accidents, while another 22 are currently deployed under other stakeholders, leaving ZUPCO with an effective fleet of 377 buses. Persistent mechanical problems mean that only between 260 and 300 buses are operational daily. A project is underway to revive 105 old buses in a bid to expand the fleet and stabilise service delivery.
Despite the logistical challenges, ZUPCO’s financial statements indicate strong and consistent demand for its services. The company generated US$21 million in revenue in 2024, followed by US$5.3 million in the second quarter of 2025 and US$5.1 million in the third quarter.
Officials say the rebranding plan—timed to coincide with the delivery of new buses from China—aims to rebuild public trust and differentiate the company from the contracted operators used during the COVID-19 era, whose uneven service quality damaged ZUPCO’s image. The existing fleet will also be rebranded to align with the new identity.
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