Tshwane bus drivers still refuse to accept cash
It is alleged that pupils are allowed to board buses for free.
Thabang Kuaho
Frustrated Tshwane Bus Services commuters could still not buy tickets in cash on the buses on Monday morning.
Since last week, bus drivers had refused to accept cash from passengers claiming money put them at the risk of being robbed.
Commuter Sindisiwe Mashiya said the driver denied her admission to the bus.
“I was waiting with a pupil when the bus stopped in front of us. The driver asked the pupil if he had money and let him in without even paying,” she said.
“I was however, told to catch a taxi.”
Another commuter who wished to remain anonymous said she was frustrated by the lack of communication by the Tshwane metro.
“One day they [bus drivers] are striking and the next they are at work. We wait for a long time at bus stops only to realise the bus is not coming,” she said.
She further said an automated fare system needed to be installed in buses.
“Some people do not use the bus everyday, so it would be pointless to buy a monthly ticket that costs roughly R600,” she said.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said last week, disciplinary action would be taken against drivers who refused to sell tickets to commuters.
He said the employer intended serving offending drivers a notice of suspension.
He urged commuters not to make alternative transport arrangements as the metro was taking action against the drivers.
So far, the metro had yet to introduce an alternative payment service.
“The status quo remains, commuters are allowed to buy tickets for cash [in the bus] and should not be prevented from boarding a bus by the driver,” he said.
Bokaba said the automated fare system would be introduced next year.
On 1 September SA Municipal Workers’ Union affiliated bus drivers downed tools demanding the metro introduce a cashless fare system in the buses claiming they feared for their lives.
They said carrying cash made them targets of crime.
But last Tuesday, they went back to work but refused to sell tickets to commuters.
The metro could not comment on allegations by Mashiya.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
