The public transport industry in Zimbabwe is healthy from a demand perspective. It is very much of a growth industry. However, from a developmental point of view, it is pretty much in its primordial state where its full potential is far from being realized.

Many modern technology breakthroughs that would impinge on the industry have yet to be fully exploited. These include environmentally clean vehicle technology encompassing green like bio-fuels and hybrid electric vehicles, automated fare collection and verification technology options and intelligent transport systems with the power to track and control speed and location of operators.

In the medium term, we expect to see the formalization of urban public transport from the current myriads of unorganized small operators who do not seem to be accountable to anyone. This is expected to take the form of ordinary bus services, albeit technologically enhanced in the long term, as the economic prospects shore up, demand is expected to surge in quantum leaps and bus rapid transport (BRT) will become necessary. BRT is a multi-modal transport system that includes dedicated bus lanes, stations, transfer stations, terminals, depots, pedestrians infrastructure, bicycle and taxi integration facilities and a massive fully automated control center.

The introduction of Intelligent Transport Systems (I.T.S) integrate the entire array of multimodal transport options in a city, including both individual mobility and mass transit, in an efficient manner. Modern intelligent transport systems normally comprise of inter-alia a network of sensors, global positioning systems-tracked urban public transportation, dynamic traffic light (preferably solar), passenger information, panels, automatic vehicle registration plate readers, CCTV systems and most importantly, the capability of integrating live data from most of sources. This will lead to improvements in safety, network management, traffic de-congestion, environmental performance, accessibility, convenience and positive public perception.

PUTCO is setting itself apart as a forward thinking and revolutionary transport company. PUTCO is working with a technical partner in developing and implementing of a PUTCO Information Management Systems (PIMS).

The broader PUTCO objective is to design, develop and implement an integrated and comprehensive and computerized, web-enabled and mobile phone based PUTCO Information Management Systems (PIMS) that has the following: