Tshwane appoints 35 new bus drivers to improve service
Bus commuters are pleased with the addition of bus drivers and hope for better service in the morning and afternoon.
The metro has appointed 35 Tshwane bus drivers to bolster the Tshwane Bus Service (TBS) personnel after a significant shortage that affected operations.
This was announced by MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale on April 11.
We remain determined to be a Smart City which ignites excellence!! pic.twitter.com/iOwyDQkU8b
— Tlangi Mogale: MMC for Roads&Transport 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) April 11, 2025
She stated that the metro had indicated in January that there was a need for recruitment of bus drivers to enhance the service.
“Today, on behalf of the Multiparty Coalition Government, I am pleased to announce that the recruitment process has been finalised. We had the pleasure of certifying the new cohort of bus drivers appointed with effect from February,” she said.
Mogale highlighted that the new drivers have successfully completed their internal training and are prepared to begin their duties.
Our Qualified, and well trained Bus Drivers…. I will be continuing with the surprise bus Rides in the City to see if this happy dance was worth the salt😀🇿🇦
Otherwise, I am proud of this team and the sterling job they did of training and successfully scouting for qualified… pic.twitter.com/5bKdgvTgOc
— Tlangi Mogale: MMC for Roads&Transport 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) April 11, 2025
She said out of the 35 bus drivers appointed, 33 were former drivers who had left the TBS, while two had retired.
“The selection process for these drivers was rigorous, incorporating a driving test, medical evaluation, criminal record clearance, verification of qualifications, and an interview,” she said.
The MMC explained that the appointments are expected to significantly assist in bringing stability to the operations of the Tshwane Bus Services, ensuring that commuters experience consistency and safety in the delivery of services.
Mogale also took the opportunity to apologise to commuters for the inconvenience caused by the previous shortage of drivers.
“The metro and the Department of Roads and Transport would like our residents to fully utilise the TBS.”
She urged the public to consider it as the primary mode of transport to help ease congestion on the roads and alleviate the burden on both the environment and infrastructure.
Mogale encouraged commuters and parents needing assistance to reach out to the TBS office located at Church Square and C de Wet.
The contact numbers for enquiries or assistance include 012 358 2130 for the dispatch office, 012 358 0464 for customer care, and 012 358 1439/0223/0224 for the planning office.
She added that more information regarding operating trips can be found on TBS’s X page @Tshwanebus2.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our esteemed passengers who left TBS back on board and look forward to serving you safely and efficiently.”
Bus commuters shared their positive feedback regarding the addition of drivers.
Asiphe Mjongile uses the bus to work in Centurion near Highveld Shopping Centre from Pretoria Central. She said she was happy with the addition of drivers.
She said in January she changed her morning schedule so she could leave home earlier due to TBS cancelling trips.
“Now I have to make sure that at least I come out 30 minutes earlier to ensure that the bus does not leave me,” she said.
Mjongile hopes that more buses will operate in the mornings and afternoons so she doesn’t have to wait long at the bus stop.
“I hope that this means that there will be more buses on the road.”
Sinethemba Mthethwa of Lotus Gardens travels on the Westpark 7 bus to town at 06:30.
“The buses have been so irregular that I’ve often found myself waiting for long periods, which can be incredibly frustrating,” said Mthethwa.
“With this addition of drivers, I’m really hoping that the service will improve. It would mean a lot to have more reliable buses running on schedule.”
She emphasised the importance of punctuality.
“I rely on public transport, and any delays can affect my entire day. If the buses are running more frequently, it will make it easier for me and many others who depend on this service.”
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