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.
So you fire workers who complain about their work issues and you come here to tell us that you don’t have a plan B 🤷🏿♂️
— Lerato (@MadutungLerato) November 11, 2024
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.
So what you are telling us is that COT does not care about its citizens? If you cared you would have made sure there is a plan in place to continue the bus services after your firing. You are more concerned about flexing your muscles for your employees than anything else.
— Ndabezitha (@97253636a0fe4a5) November 11, 2024
Thanks for the update. Kindly make us aware of the afternoon buses as well. We can’t correlate as to which one opertaes in the afternoon, it will be of great assistance to communters.
— AB_95 (@MsMoey_03) November 12, 2024
Pls decide if yall want us to have buses or not ,these on and offs are not gonna work we cant load di tao jiki jiki haona bus. Fix your house guys. Kore a year can’t pass by without di incident aowa a le re tseye best lona
— thabo (@thabomalope_) November 8, 2024
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