Commuters took to the streets over increased fares
The commuters say they have had enough with Midbank Bus Services and they have a number of other complaints as well
A number of commuters took to the streets over increased bus fares.
The commuters say they have had enough with Midbank Bus Services and they have a number of other complaints as well.
They protested at the bus company premises in Ferrobank on Wednesday, March 27.
The commuters were complaining mainly about the increases in bus fares, they claim that from Phola in Ogies they are now expected to pay R23 for a daily ticket single trip increased from R22, they must now pay R162 for a weekly ticket from R150 and R625 for a monthly ticket from R575.
There were other increases as well.
The commuters stated that they had an agreement with the company that increases won’t be made every year, but now and even last year, bus fares were increased.
They also claim that most of the busses are not in good condition, cold in winter without heaters, rain coming through the busses during the rainy season.
“If there is a breakdown, a substitute or an alternative bus takes a long time to come through. We have been complaining about the non-existence of bus shelters and that have been going on for a long time now, what we have were only promises,” said Ms Sonto Thandi Mbokane one of the commuter leaders.
A delegation was chosen and held a meeting with the company representatives and no solution was found.
A follow up meeting was held on Tuesday, April 2 to try and sort out the problems according to Ms Mbokane.
A questionnaire was sent to Midbank Bus Services on March 29 for their response but nothing was received before going to print.
