Tshwane metro seeks to fix bus schedules as it struggles to keep up with demand
“The capacity issue has been raised and is receiving attention with the leadership of the metro.”
The Tshwane metro was looking into changing its Tshwane Bus Services (TBS) schedules in an attempt to cope with high commuter demand.
This was as the metro only has 135 buses while needing about 250 buses for daily operations as many buses were booked for repairs to meet roadworthiness requirements.
“Our road and transport department anticipates resolving these challenges by September 2022,” said Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba.
“This issue has been raised and is receiving attention from the metro’s leadership.”
Bokaba said the demand for TBS had grown exponentially over the years.
He said, however, budgetary challenges were also hampering the metro from procuring an additional fleet.
“The loading capacity of our current buses is 45 passengers seating and about 10 standing as opposed to the old buses which could load more passengers.”
Most of these have been discontinued.
Bus schedules were reviewed in 2021 to increase the number of bus trips.
“The demand is, however, continuing to increase mainly due to the low and affordable travelling fares of the service.”
The Tshwane metro has also warned drivers to stop harassing commuters over mask-wearing.
“It is not compulsory to wear a mask. The TBS complies with all the announcements made recently by the National Department of Health relating to the applicability of the Covid-19 regulations.”
TBS recently had to warn commuters to make alternative transport arrangements as a result of bus shortages.
We are currently addressing the issues with the contractor while also revising our current time table in line with the available buses to cover all areas and this will be concluded by Friday and communicated. We sincerely apologies for the inconvenience caused.
— Tshwane Bus Service (@Tshwanebus2) July 20, 2022
Tshwane commuters say they had noted a marked deterioration in TBS as they recently had to cope with everything from overcrowded buses to buses running late.
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