Railbus: Can ease Urban Traffic Challenges & reduce carbon emission in Zimbabwe

If you have ever lived in Zimbabwe, certainly in the capital city of Harare you most likely agree with me that you have encountered the same pain points as I do with congested roads in the morning trying to get to work earlier. It is clear that we need some alternative means of transportation for us to ease the congested road and to minimize the pollution of the environment with carbon emission in the air from fuels.

In 2021, CO2 emissions from transport in Zimbabwe amounted to 2 metric tons. While this figure may seem relatively low compared to other countries, it’s essential to consider the context and the impact of these emissions on air quality, health, and the environment.

Road traffic plays a significant role in contributing to these emissions. As more vehicles operate on Zimbabwean roads, the associated greenhouse gas emissions increase. Additionally, road traffic accidents can exacerbate air pollution due to fuel combustion and vehicle wear and tear.

Between 2018 - 2022, the stock of registered vehicles in Zimbabwe (including Harare) increased by less than 7% annually.

In Harare, each passenger produces approximately 1,401.38 Kg of CO2 annually due to commuting to work or school. To offset this carbon emission, approximately 64.37 trees per passenger would be needed to produce enough oxygen.

To address this issue, sustainable transportation solutions, such as promoting public transport, improving fuel efficiency, and investing in cleaner technologies, are crucial. By adopting these measures, Zimbabwe can reduce its carbon footprint and enhance the overall well-being of its citizen.

The air in Harare is heavily polluted, partly due to poorly maintained vehicles and second hand imports (used vehicles). This posses health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as people with heart and lung diseases, pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

A railbus is a lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective transportation solution that offers several advantages, particularly for a country like our own Zimbabwe with extensive rail networks. Rail transport plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economic development, and the introduction of railbus systems can further enhance its transportation infrastructure.

Here are some key points about the importance of railbus to Zimbabwe:

Historical Context:

The railways in Zimbabwe have a rich history, dating back to the British South Africa Company’s involvement in constructing and operating rail lines.

Over time, the railways evolved into the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), which became a vital part of the country’s transportation network.

Export Markets and Connectivity:

The NRZ has an established rail system that connects Zimbabwe to neighboring countries.

It enables exports through lines to Mozambican ports (Beira and Maputo), links with Botswana and South Africa to the south, and connects with Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Tanzania to the north2.

Economic Impact:

A functional rail system is essential for industrialization, job creation, and economic prosperity. Railbus systems can alleviate congestion in cities, providing efficient transportation options for commuters and reducing road traffic.

Challenges and Opportunities:

The NRZ faced operational inefficiencies, including declining freight traffic between 1990 and 2005. Reviving the NRZ involves addressing debt, improving infrastructure, and attracting investment for recapitalization.

Future Prospects:

The NRZ has made efforts to transform its services, including introducing commuter rail in Harare in cooperation with ZUPCO (the local bus company). However, this effort did not express the pain points and hence, we still have many people preferring to use private vehicles to commute to work and school due to incompetence.

Railbus systems can offer a game-changing solution by combining rail efficiency with bus flexibility, especially in congested urban areas.

Some benefits of railbuses to Zimbabwe include:

1. Cost-effective: Railbuses are more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance compared to traditional trains, making them an economical option for Zimbabwe's transportation needs.

2. Flexibility: Railbuses can operate on various rail gauges and can navigate smaller rail networks, making them ideal for Zimbabwe's diverse rail infrastructure.

3. Rural accessibility: Railbuses can reach remote areas and smaller towns, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for rural communities in Zimbabwe.

4. Passenger & freight capacity: Railbuses can carry both passengers and freight, making them a versatile solution for Zimbabwe's transportation demands.

5. Environmental benefits: Railbuses produce lower emissions compared to road transportation, contributing to a cleaner environment and reduced carbon footprint.

6. Job creation: The introduction of railbuses could create new employment opportunities in Zimbabwe's transportation sector.

7. Tourism boost: Railbuses could offer a unique and scenic travel experience for tourists, promoting Zimbabwe's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

8. Reliability: Railbuses are designed for durability and reliability, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and delays.

9. Government revenue: Railbuses could generate additional revenue for the government through ticket sales and freight transportation.

10. Economic growth: By improving transportation efficiency and connectivity, railbuses can contribute to Zimbabwe's economic growth and development.

In Conclusion, addressing traffic challenges and carbon emissions in Harare is crucial for environmental sustainability, public health, and railbus systems can enhance Zimbabwe’s transportation network, boost economic growth, and provide sustainable solutions for urban mobility. By investing in rail infrastructure, Zimbabwe can help ease carbon emission and air pollution, and unlock its potential as a transit point for goods destined for neighboring ports.

This article was produced by Leon Mandigara for and on behalf of RAILBUS and Creaxioedge Pvt Ltd.