Major cities around the world have successfully modernised their transport systems to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance commuter satisfaction. In places such as London, Singapore, and Tokyo, clear timetables, effective zoning, and digital ticketing have set the standard for efficient public travel. However, Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, currently faces a far more challenging reality: unregulated ‘Mushikashika’ operators, aggressive drivers, and roads riddled with potholes create an environment where accidents are all too common.
One of the most concerning aspects of Harare’s public transport is the alarming risk posed to schoolchildren. Overcrowded minibuses, minimal seatbelts, and reckless speeding mean that young passengers are particularly vulnerable. Many families feel they have no choice but to rely on these unsafe vehicles, reinforcing the urgent need for proper regulation and a modern, integrated network that prioritises the welfare of all citizens.
To address these challenges, enforcement must be at the forefront. Clearing unfit vehicles from the roads, penalising unlicensed drivers, and boosting accountability would make travel safer. At the same time, embracing technology could yield rapid improvements. In London, for instance, real-time passenger information and integrated ticketing reduce waiting times and queues. Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and Tokyo’s metro network are similarly praised for efficiency and reliability. Digital solutions such as online ticket sales, smartcards, and mobile apps help passengers plan journeys and avoid indefinite queuing, while also discouraging the use of dangerous and unregulated vehicles.
Transforming Harare’s transport network also involves collaboration with private firms, public agencies, and law enforcement. By introducing carefully zoned routes and digital payment options, operators could establish fair fare structures that reduce overcrowding. Strong partnerships would pave the way for sophisticated systems that improve safety for everyone, but especially for children who rely on public buses to reach school each day.
The unregulated ‘Mushikashika’ business in particular has contributed to a rise in accidents on Zimbabwe’s roads. This issue calls for bold leadership that can unite all stakeholders’ local authorities, law enforcement, transport companies, and commuters to develop long-term, technology-based solutions. With commitment and modernisation, Harare’s roads can be freed from daily chaos, mirroring the systematic order seen in world-leading transport networks.
In short, a complete overhaul of Harare’s public transport system is both necessary and achievable. By incorporating digital innovations, enforcing existing regulations, and focusing on safety, the city can reduce accidents and establish a more predictable, efficient experience for passengers. As other global cities have proven, change is possible when the right policies, partnerships, and technologies come together offering a hopeful path towards a safer, more organised future for Zimbabwe’s travel needs.