Harare – In a bid to stem the tide of fatal road accidents, the Zimbabwean government has implemented a new policy restricting commuter omnibuses, commonly known as “kombis,” to a 60km radius from their designated route permits, New Zimbabwe has reported.
This move, announced by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona on Tuesday, comes into immediate effect, impacting both new permit applications and existing operators.
Previously, kombis were permitted to travel up to 120km, but the government has deemed this too risky, citing the high prevalence of road traffic accidents involving these vehicles. The new policy aims to reduce the distance kombis travel, thereby potentially mitigating the risk of accidents and fatalities.
“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 with effect from the 3rd of September 2024 for operators seeking new permits,” Minister Mhona stated in a press release.
The policy shift means that all 26-seater kombis and below will be limited to operating within a 60km radius. Commuters travelling beyond this distance are encouraged to utilize the services of high-capacity buses, which are deemed more predictable, reliable, comfortable, and consistent in their service quality compared to kombis on long-distance routes.
“Buses also have greater leg space and baggage space for long-distance travellers than kombis, which makes buses more ideal for long-distance journeys,” Minister Mhona further explained.
In addition to the route restrictions, the government has also mandated the installation of speed limiting and monitoring devices on all public service vehicles, including kombis. This measure is aimed at enforcing speed limits and ensuring greater accountability for drivers.
“Further, the kombis operating within the 60 km radius are prohibited from operating without installation of speed limiting and monitoring devices in terms of Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, which prescribes that no person shall operate or drive on any road, a passenger public service vehicle registered in Zimbabwe, unless both of the devices are fitted to the vehicle,” Minister Mhona emphasized.
“The route permits issued before this statement will remain valid and shall continue to be legal documents until their validity has expired. However, with immediate effect, the Ministry will not tolerate any kombi which operates without the speed limiting and monitoring devices,” Minister Mhona concluded.
