GNT bus delays resolved after contract dispute with operators
After weeks of delays caused by several issues, GNT has restored bus operations in Seshego, easing overcrowding and helping commuters get to work on time.
POLOKWANE – Commuters in Seshego and surrounding areas can once again rely on Great North Transport (GNT) buses for their daily travels. This comes as welcome news after a period of significant disruptions, during which many buses failed to arrive, leaving commuters stranded and frustrated.
The root of the delays was a misunderstanding regarding the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between GNT and its bus operators.
GNT had leased buses from independent operators on contracts ranging from 12 to 48 months.
A breakdown in the SLA terms, however, led to service interruptions that caused overcrowding and delays, especially after the withdrawal of white buses from the routes.
During the disruptions, only one bus was available for several routes, which led to overcrowding, compromised passenger safety, and left many workers arriving late to their jobs and homes.
“The misunderstanding relating to the terms of the SLA has since been resolved and the buses are back in operation,” confirmed GNT spokesperson Leo Gama.
With services now restored, commuters are breathing a sigh of relief.
“We were really worried about how we would get to work on time. For the past few weeks, I’ve been arriving late at both work and home. Now that the buses are back, we can relax,” said one relieved passenger.
Despite the resumption of normal service, questions remain regarding transparency, particularly around the confidential costs associated with leasing the buses, which are calculated per kilometer.
GNT has not disclosed these figures, leaving some stakeholders seeking more clarity, especially after such a disruptive episode for daily commuters.
