Bus strike leaves some Durban commuters stranded
Bus drivers of the embattled Tansnat, which runs the city's bus service, are preparing to down tools once again.
THE eThekwini Municipality has alerted residents that the People Mover bus will not be in operation on Wednesday due to another strike by bus drivers.
This is the second bus strike in recent weeks by bus drivers working for the Municipality’s public transport entity, Tansnat.
“EThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) wishes to inform all commuters utilising the People Mover bus service run by the private operator, Tansnat – bus service is affected in all areas due to a strike by bus drivers,” said the Municipality in a statement.
“The Municipality wishes to apologise to all commuters for the inconvenience caused. Commuters are urged to make alternative travel arrangements during this interruption. ETA will communicate all updated information about the bus strike through media platforms.”
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When the drivers protested last week, they handed over a memorandum to the city stating their displeasure with working for Tansnat.
The drivers wanted to work for the eThekwini Municipality following allegations of intimidation from Tansnat officials.
Representatives of the drivers, Tansnat officials and eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda were set to meet to discuss these problems.
Tansnat, which is owned by Mandla Gcaba; the nephew of former president Jacob Zuma, currently provides the city’s transport services.
It is currently locked in a three-year court battle with the eThekwini Municipality after the city council passed a motion to dissolve its partnership with Tansnat.
The Durban executive council recently passed a road map detailing its plan to establish a public transport entity.
Tansnat is one of eThekwini Municipality’s biggest debtors, owing the city more R508 million according to the July budget.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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