Tshwane drafts safety measures for return of buses

Tshwane is working on safety procedures to assist the safe return of its buses.

Metro buses have not fully operated for about 80 days, as their return was met with violence.

Even now it’s not clear whether buses will operate tomorrow. We will update as an when there are developments.

This current situation it’s undesirable and it has gone far too long. Be rest assured that all efforts are done to resolve ether way with all affected parties.

— Tshwane Bus Service (@Tshwanebus2) August 7, 2023

1/2 We’d like to inform the @Tshwanebus2 commuters that TBS is not fully operational. Only 15 buses left the C de Wet Depot so far this morning, we’re awaiting feedback from other depots @CityTshwane. We’ll keep the affected commuters updated of developments during the day

— Selby Bokaba (@Selbybok) July 25, 2023

Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the metro was engaged in discussions with the security cluster about measures to protect the buses.

“Tshwane will communicate the date of the resumption of bus operations after the final decision has been made. The city will, however, not share the security details regarding the protection of the buses, drivers and commuters.”

Recently, Tshwane MMC for roads and transport Katlego Mathebe called on police to assist protect metro assets.

Mathebe said it was unacceptable that commuters continued to experience disruption of bus services due to criminality.

The metro’s A Re Yeng and Tshwane bus services remained suspended after they attempted a return to operation in September.

Tshwane had to recall its fleet from the September crossfire on two occasions, due to the violent and unlawful strikes that hovered in the metro.

The metro announced the resumption of service on September 12 and 29, but this turned out to also be a false start after buses were pelted with stones and drivers intimidated, allegedly by disgruntled Tshwane employees.

Passenger update

Please note that @Tshwanebus2 operations remains suspended till further notice due to issues of safety for drivers, passengers, assets and infrastructure. The city is doing all possible to resume.

Further updates to be provided as it happens.

— Tshwane Bus Service (@Tshwanebus2) September 19, 2023

MMC Mathebe giving update on the status of @Tshwanebus2 services. pic.twitter.com/2MqMqmLJQL

— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) September 12, 2023

The employees were allegedly aligned to the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) and South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu).

Bokaba said windows and windscreens of the buses were damaged and the doors had been broken by stones and other objects.

No commuter was onboard during the incidents.

He said at the time that, as a result of the unlawful strike, a decision was taken to keep the fleet in the depots until such time it was safe for it to resume operations.

“This decision is based on safeguarding the metro’s fleet from criminals who have continued to target buses as and when there are attempts to operate the service and put the fleet back on our roads.”

City manager Johann Mettler has condemned “this cowardly violent act” on the city’s assets and vowed to hunt down the perpetrators behind the latest incident.

“I wish to commend the police for acting swiftly by arresting the suspects who allegedly broke the windows of Tshwane House. They will spend the weekend behind bars for their behaviour. We will hunt down those who damaged our buses and bring them to book,” Mettler said.

He said commuters should continue to arrange alternative transport and would be kept up to date about bus operations and further developments.

Also read: Cash-strained Tshwane demands tailor-made Eskom debt relief

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram