This was confirmed by Benny Makgoga, director of City of Joburg service promotions. Makgoga said the City would inform commuters as soon as possible the specific date on which Rea Vaya services would return.
“The bus operating company, Piotrans submitted its final operation plan on how the service will return, and it has been accepted by the City for execution as it is based on long-term operational efficiency for the benefit of Rea Vaya passengers and residents,” he said.
On 2 February Rea Vaya commuters were left stranded as bus drivers went on strike in the Johannesburg CBD. Piotrans subsequently dismissed 158 of its striking drivers who according to Piotrans spokesperson Dumisani Mntambo, had failed to appear before a disciplinary hearing.
South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) vowed to fight the dismissal of its members. Samwu’s general secretary Walter Theledi said, “We are ready to listen to their [dismissed bus drivers] issues and protect them from these dismissals. We believe that there is still time for us to intervene and get them back to work.”
Makgoga apologised for the inconvenience caused by the current lack of bus services. He said the City expected a better performing bus operating company for the benefit of passengers when the service returned.
Details: www.reavaya.org.za, Facebook /Rea VayaBustransit and Twitter @ReaVayaBus
