New buses expected to resolve Mamelodi overloading blues
With these changes more passengers would be transported per trip.
Transit (TRT) has launched a new fleet of buses in Mamelodi to replace the A Re Yeng buses.
The 55 new buses started operating in Mamelodi on 1 February, and it was hoped they would resolve the overloading currently experienced by passengers and drivers.
Over the past three years, TRT has been operating in Mamelodi using A Re Yeng’s Bus Rapid Transit buses.
The new buses will come fully installed with a fare collection system, which is different from the current system.
Mamelodi commuters will no longer be able to use the A Re Yeng connector card.
The new buses are fitted with passenger counters and cameras to monitor operations while safeguarding passengers and drivers.
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Consequently, commuters will migrate from the current system to the new one.
TRT has agreed on a process with Xtremetec and the Tshwane metro regarding the migration of commuters’ points from the current A Re Yeng connector card to the new card.
Communication of the change process began in January 2021, by informing passengers to limit their purchasing of points or credits, and will continue on various platforms.
Commuters, who still have points on their A Re Yeng Connector cards, were urged to visit the two selling points at Denneboom and Eerste Fabrieke to get their points transferred during February 2021.
However, commuters should also note that the A Re Yeng connector cards can still be used on A Re Yeng and Tshwane bus services.
Tshwane roads and transport MMC Dikeledi Selowa said the metro moved to intervene by using the A Re Yeng buses following the expiry of the contract between Autopax and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport in 2018.
“Pursuant to the extension of the TRT contract for a further 36 months by the Gauteng roads and transport department and the Tshwane metro, TRT commenced with internal engagements regarding the procurement of commuter buses more suited for Mamelodi bus operations,” Selowa said.
Selowa said the city of Tshwane apologised for the inconvenience caused to commuters during the migration process.
“In the meantime, commuters are reminded that due to the Covid-19 restrictions the city of Tshwane is not able to hold mass stakeholder engagements and meetings as has been the practice and policy.”
TRT CEO Sam Matebane said they were pleased to successfully procure commuter-type buses.
“This will enable us to continue providing high-quality bus service to the community of Mamelodi.”
He went on to thank the Tshwane metro’s integrated rapid public transport network team and the roads and transport department for the support provided to TRT over the past three years.
“These newly procured commuter buses will address numerous challenges, including overloading, and will position TRT to better service on the existing timetable,” said Matebane.
For further information, commuters can contact the TRT call centre on 012-323-1754.
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