Lowveld roads remain open, public transport not operating
The Lowveld is anxiously awaiting the outcome of a meeting between taxi associations, Buscor and provincial government set for Thursday afternoon, September 29. The goal of the meeting is to settle disputes between the taxis associations and Buscor.
Compared to the chaos that erupted on the Lowveld’s roads yesterday, September 28, the roads are eerily quiet today as public transport has been suspended.
The decision to do so was made during a meeting between taxi associations, bus company Buscor and provincial government on September 28, after widespread protest action by taxi associations that saw many roads closed off.
All roads were opened again after around 13:00, and have remained that way.
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Commuters have had to find alternative transport to reach their destinations. Some businesses could not operate today due to a shortage of staff who could not find transport to reach work.
The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport will have a meeting with Buscor management and taxi industry representatives at 14:00 today to map a way forward.
ALSO READ:Public transport suspended in Ehlanzeni region
According to the taxi associations operating in the Lowveld, they want Buscor to reduce its operating hours. Their concern is that Buscor operates the whole day, which makes taxi operations run at a loss. They want the bus company to only focus on transporting workers from early morning until maybe 09:00 and then again after work from around 16:00 until late.
They are also accusing Buscor management of failing to honour about four meeting requests aimed at finding an amicable solution.
Lowvelder will update its readers once more information becomes available.
