Govt lifts Rimbi suspension, bars them from Harare...

Govt lifts Rimbi suspension, bars them from Harare-Nyamapanda route

Zim Now Writer

Government has, with immediate effect, lifted the suspension of Rimbi Travel and Tours but the bus company has been barred from servicing the Harare-Nyamapanda route.

Following a fatal road accident on 17 January 2023 after their drivers were involved in a race along the Harare-Nyamapanda road, Rimbi and Zebra Kiss’s licences were suspended.

However, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, lifted Zebra Kiss’ operating licence last week.

Rimbi, who had taken the government to court over the suspension, withdrew their court challenge and submitted “comprehensive measures” to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development wishes to advise the public that it has lifted the suspension of the licence for operation of all omnibuses belonging to Rimbi Travel and Tours Pvt Ltd.

“The lifting of the suspension follows the submission of comprehensive measures that have been put in place by the Operator to avert such incidents in the future,” Mhona said in a statement today.

Many stakeholders in the passenger transport sector had made efforts to resolve the route conflict between Rimbi Travel and Tours and Tashyllt Investments Pvt Ltd, trading as Zebra Kiss, according to the Transport Ministry.

“The Ministry has therefore seen it in the best interest of all concerned stakeholders to cancel all Route Permits for Rimbi Travel and Tours Pvt on the Harare to Nyamapanda route,” the statement further said, adding that Rimbi Travel and Tours had consented to this arrangement and will be allowed to service other routes across the country.

The Ministry also said it will continue to enforce and monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of all operators’ licences, including measures against reckless and negligent driving.