HOEDSPRUIT – Commuters using Great North Transport (GNT) services at the Hoedspruit Depot have voiced growing frustration over what they describe as poor service delivery, unsafe conditions, and a lack of accountability.

The complaints come after another fare increase, with some passengers claiming that Hoedspruit commuters were charged an additional R4 per trip, while other depots allegedly implemented smaller increases.

‘No notice, no communication’

Commuter Tlhologelo Maimela said passengers were not given prior notice or proper communication regarding the increase.

“We are struggling because everything keeps going up, and now transport costs are becoming too expensive for ordinary workers,” Maimela said.

LEDA: Fare increases differ by area

Responding to the complaints, Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) representative Leo Gama said fare increases differ from area to area and that the system has operated that way for years.

“The fuel price has skyrocketed, and commuters need to understand that if fares were not increased accordingly, the company would collapse,” Gama said.

He further stated that although GNT is subsidised by the government, fares must remain below taxi prices.

“What we need to make sure of is that our fares are never higher than, or even the same as, taxi fares because GNT is government subsidised,” he explained.

‘Cash no longer accepted’

However, commuters say the issue goes beyond ticket prices.

Passengers have also raised concerns about the depot’s payment system, claiming that cash is no longer accepted and commuters are forced to use bank cards.

Some allege that passengers are expected to disclose their bank PINs to cashiers during transactions – something they believe places them at risk of fraud and theft.

Broken bus not replaced since February

Another major complaint relates to ongoing transport delays and breakdowns.

According to commuters, a bus servicing the 04:40 shift broke down in February and has not been properly replaced.

Passengers claim the substitute bus leaves at 04:00 but does not complete the route, dropping commuters halfway through the farms before returning to collect another shift.

As a result, passengers say they are often left stranded in the cold for long periods while waiting for another bus.

“We depend on these buses to get to work every day, but we are treated unfairly,” said Maimela.

Commuters have also questioned why several buses remain parked inside the depot while passengers continue experiencing delays and overcrowding.

Safety fears: Buses catching fire, no extinguishers

Safety concerns have further intensified frustrations among commuters. Passengers allege that some buses operate in poor condition, with reports of:

• Buses catching fire on the road
• Buses operating without basic safety equipment such as fire extinguishers

Drivers are also believed to be under pressure to continue operating buses despite concerns about brakes and tyre conditions.

Earlier this year, commuters said a serious accident was narrowly avoided after a bus reportedly rolled backwards down a steep hill while on the handbrake. The driver allegedly managed to stop the vehicle by steering it into a fence.

Calls for investigation

Commuters are now calling on the government and relevant authorities to urgently investigate conditions at the Hoedspruit Depot before lives are lost.

Maimela has indicated that the matter may be escalated to the South African Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Public Protector if no intervention takes place.