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Tshwane bus commuters face four days of service interruptions

Commuters are experiencing disruptions due to 33 drivers who were dismissed after taking part in an unprotected strike in May.

The Tshwane metro bus service is experiencing four days of disruptions and thus scheduled bus services had to be suspended on November 12.

The city’s bus services operations were impeded by industrial action on November 7 after a protesting group of drivers had closed the gates of the city’s C De Wet bus depot. “This was after unofficially being made aware of the disciplinary committee’s verdict,” according to Tshwane.

The disruptions have however spilt over to this week, prompting the Tshwane metro in urging Tshwane Bus Service (TBS) commuters to be patient.

The shortage of drivers stems from the dismissal of 33 drivers who participated in an unprotected strike in May this year.

This morning the metro announced on its X page that buses will not be operating at certain times in the following areas:

– The Willows
– East Lynne
– Lynnwood Manor
– Erasmia
– Muckleneuk
– West Park
– Centurion
– Brooklyn
– Direct Danville
– Doornpoort
– VoortrekkerHoogte
– Eldoraigne,
– Wierda Park,
– Clubview
– West Park

According to Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the dismissed drivers have left a significant gap in daily shifts, impacting the Tshwane’s 160 bus routes operating on weekdays.

Mashigo said on November 11, only 128 drivers reported for duty, resulting in 32 fewer buses on the road.

However, Mashigo said that the management’s swift intervention has mitigated the issue, recruiting 18 qualified drivers from quality control and administrative teams.

“As of this morning, 146 shifts were operational, a notable increase from yesterday’s 128,” stated Mashigo.

Despite this progress, Mashigo said Tshwane acknowledges the ongoing disruptions and apologises profusely to affected commuters.

“The city will provide an update on the areas that are still affected.”

Commuters remain frustrated.

Zikhona Notathu said she is exhausted from standing at the bus stop for hours, only to find out the bus isn’t coming.

“We need reliable transportation to get to work and school,” she said.

 

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