The Tshwane metro has introduced new discounts for its bus service users.
Acting director, Ruth Mutasa, said the concessions were for pensioners and learners using the rapid transit system, A Re Yeng and Tshwane bus service (TBS).
“There is a blue card for pensioners, aged between 60-65, who travel at a reduced 25% fee during off-peak times,” she said.
“There is also a purple card for pensioners over 65 who travel free during off-peak times.”
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To qualify for the concession they must submit relevant documents requested at registration points, such as ID or birth certificate.
“The concessions are to be activated only at Sammy Marks customer care walk-in centre, corner of Madiba and Sisulu streets or at Church Square,” she said.
Mutasa said on the concession, learners would pay a flat rate of R7 to travel anywhere by the A Re Yeng system.
“You can use it as a debit card and make retail purchases at a retail outlet with a limit of R200 per purchase and you can transfer money to another card through cash send service.”
Mutasa said the concession card would be issued to learners in uniform or on presentation of an ID, birth certificate or passport.
“The concession for people living with a disability is the same as the one for learners,” she said.
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She said adult cardholders would be charged full price for all fares.
“Concessionaires on both A Re Yeng and TBS have access to the system by using a Europay Master card Visa (EMV) connector card that is pre-loaded with sufficient trip fare,” she said.
Mutasa said there was no provision for cash payments on the system.
She said TBS introduced the connector card on 1 March and from the 17 March, the new prepaid connector card was used on TBS buses.
Magda de Wet, a disabled pensioner who frequently used the service, said she was thankful for the new fares.
“I cannot afford the regular fees, which is why I am very happy to hear about the new tariffs,” she said.
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“I frequently use the metro’s transport and it brings joy to my heart that they have now adapted it to suit everyone’s needs.”
A Re Yeng service was introduced in Pretoria in December 2014 and has two main routes – 2A between the CBD and Hatfield has five feeder routes servicing the CBD, Sunnyside, Steve Biko hospital, Groenkloof, Bosman street and Marabastad.
At the end of June, A Re Yeng completed the first phase of the line from Church Square to Wonderboom.
There are plans to extend the service to other townships such as Atteridgeville, depending on funding from the department of transport.
The metro has made an infrastructure investment of R880 million since the inception, which now has 114 buses and 131 drivers.
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