Tshwane bus service resumes operations in the west
“All residents of Tshwane have the right to choose the transport of their choice and should not be forced to make such a choice through violence.”
The Tshwane bus service has resumed operations in Westpark, west of Pretoria after claims by unknown people who said that the service was operating “in our space” and “stealing our” customers.
Roads and transport MMC Dikeledi Selowa said on Friday morning that the TBS was back on track in the area and the Tshwane metro was monitoring the situation carefully.
On Thursday, bus service operations in Westpark were disrupted after drivers were intimidated by unknown people who claimed to be “public transport taxi operators”.
This left passengers from Westpark, Danville, Lotus Gardens and surrounding areas to seek alternative transport.
“These individuals claimed that TBS was operating in their space and accused bus operators of taking their passengers. They then disrupted the service,” Selowa said.
She said the metro’s law-enforcement teams had to react swiftly to escort the buses out of the area to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.
“I want to strongly condemn these acts of intimidation and indicate that instances of criminality will not be tolerated.”
She said the bus service had been operating in the area “for years”, and had all the valid operating licences to provide a service to residents.
Selowa apologised to residents who had their day disrupted by the violent acts and had to find alternative means of transport.
“All residents of Tshwane have the right to choose the transport of their choice and should not be forced to make such a choice through violence.”
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