Angry Tshwane commuters damage buses

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said bus services were delayed as a result of a bus strike in the city, Rekord North reported.

The disgruntled commuters, angry about the strike, reportedly threw stones at the buses.

“The buses have been withdrawn as we are worried about the safety of passengers, the drivers and property,” added Mashigo.

On Wednesday, SA municipal Worker’s Union (Samwu) affiliated drivers abandoned their evening shifts, leaving commuters stranded on several routes while some drivers affiliated to other unions failed to show up for work altogether, Mashigo said.

“The management of Tshwane bus services is hoping to engage Samwu representatives to try and get reasons for the stoppage and resolve the issues,” added Mashigo.

Last month, an unconfirmed number of people were arrested in connection with arson attacks in which four GO George buses were torched in Thembalethu, George, in the Western Cape.

The buses were torched across the town allegedly by disgruntled taxi drivers who blocked off roads leading to Thembalethu.

It is alleged some taxi drivers and operators in Thembalethu and surrounding areas were unhappy with the agreement that preceded the roll out of the buses and vowed to not allow the bus service to operate in the area.

Minister of transport and public works Donald Grant condemned the attacks, as they threatened the provision of safe and reliable public transport as well as the safety of commuters.

– Caxton News Service