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As Zimbabwe battles with urban public transport issues, AVM Africa (Pvt) Ltd, a local bus manufacturer takes a giant leap by introducing an innovative 120-seater bus prototype. The prototype is designed to provide cost-effective solutions on bustling transit routes, stated Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, Zimbabwean Industry and Commerce Minister.
As Zimbabwe battles with urban public transport issues, AVM Africa (Pvt) Ltd, a local bus manufacturer takes a giant leap by introducing an innovative 120-seater bus prototype. The prototype is designed to provide cost-effective solutions on bustling transit routes, stated
Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, Zimbabwean Industry and Commerce Minister. The proposed bus can house 20 seated and 100 standing passengers, equipped with two exits and an abundance of hangers for standing commuters, making it a perfect fit for peak hours. Minister Nyoni highlighted the significance of supporting such innovations and producing goods locally to reduce imports, thereby enhancing economic growth.
Zimbabwe currently boasts having three bus manufacturing companies, including AVM. The government is actively advocating the use of domestically produced buses. AVM’s managing director, Jacob Zvainairo Kupa, underlined that this novel bus design would not only create jobs but also transport passengers more efficiently. The production cycle for each bus is 22 days, with plans for more production units.
Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, shed light on the government’s plan to purchase another 1,000 buses over two years, with the first batch of 250 expected in the initial quarter. This procurement will also include at least 50 green buses running on batteries, signaling a shift towards sustainable transportation.
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Abigail Ziso, who played a pivotal role in the bus’s design and manufacturing, clarified that the design was aimed at accommodating the immense number of passengers during rush hours. Adding to this, the government is making headway in public transport by procuring 550 new Zupco buses, inclusive of electric models. The bidding process for bus suppliers concluded on January 26.
