Great North Transport deploys 26 vehicles to Tubatse to restore services
Sekhukhune commuters welcome the fleet injection following years of frequent breakdowns and missed trips.
Great North Transport has assigned 16 new and 10 refurbished buses to Tubatse as part of an operational overhaul in Sekhukhune.
The allocation on September 17 forms part of the provincial bus company’s programme to improve its operations and restore commuter confidence following years of challenges, particularly in Sekhukhune.
GNT spokesperson Leo Gama said the company had now completed the allocation of 71 newly acquired buses to various depots across Limpopo.
The company has also refurbished 25 buses that were previously out of operation, increasing its capacity to provide public transport services.
Commuters welcome safer fleet
The move has been welcomed by commuters who say the poor condition and frequent breakdowns of the old buses often left them stranded and late for work.
Groblersdal commuter Johannes Mahlangu said passengers had faced constant delays.
“We struggled a lot with the old buses,” he said. “Sometimes we would be late for work because the buses would not arrive on time. Sometimes they didn’t show up at all.”
Mahlangu said some buses would break down while on their way to collect commuters, leaving passengers who had already paid for weekly or monthly tickets without alternative transport.
He said the revival programme could help restore commuters’ confidence in GNT.
Other commuters also welcomed the new buses, saying their improved condition would provide a safer travelling environment.
A group of Marble Hall commuters said they had felt unsafe travelling on some of the old buses because of their poor condition.
Leadership calls for infrastructure protection
GNT accounting authority Lutendo Mavhusha said progress had been made in restoring operational efficiency, strengthening governance, improving financial management and rebuilding public confidence in the organisation.
GNT interim CEO Charles Mashele urged communities to protect the new buses and other public infrastructure.
He said safeguarding the buses would ensure that they continued benefiting commuters and communities for years to come.
