“We need our bus back”

The community of Driefontein in Upper Esenembe claims to be in desperate need of a bus to serve the area.

There was a bus company operating in the area for five years until last October when, according to Ponty Tours owner Mahadev Chath, he was forced to stop operating in Driefontein by Isiqalokuhle Taxi Association.

Apparently he had been operating without a permit.

“I need a letter from the councilor and ward committee explaining why the community needs my service and I will submit that to the transport department,” said Chath.

Ward 21 councilor Mzwayi Mdluli said he knows that residents need the bus but the situation is out of his hands.

“As much as I want them to get a bus service, I do not have the power to write a letter requesting a permit for a bus company permit,” said Mdluli.

Resident Mbali Sishi, who is a vendor selling plastic tubs said she prefers a bus to a taxi.

“The bus had space for our goods and there was never a time when we were told that our goods could not be transported. Even building material was transported by the bus,” said Sishi.

Residents understand that there are those who prefer taxis, however they would like to have a choice.

Neither the Siqalokuhle Taxi Association nor the department of transport were available for comment.