Savings and convenience contribute to high demand for Leeto buses
Flora Park Taxi Association spokesperson, Joel Sathekge said they are in talks with Leeto La Polokwane to increase the bus fare in order for the taxi industry to not lose business.
POLOKWANE – An increasing number of commuters now prefer to use Leeto La Polokwane buses to other forms of public transport, including e-hailing services and taxis.
This is according to Leeto La Polokwane spokesperson, Refilwe Malakalaka who said they are happy that the bus service is well received by commuters, however it does seem that they will have to increase capacity at some point.
“We noted a high demand, and we look to add more buses through the formal processes involved,” said Malakalaka.
In July, some taxi associations including that of Seshego, Polokwane, Westenburg and Flora Park blocked the Leeto la Polokwane buses from transporting passengers, insisting that the municipality fulfils their agreement to pay for the 90 taxis which were taken off their routes with drivers having been trained to drive Leeto buses.
Read more: Blockade leaves Leeto la Polokwane commuters stranded
Meanwhile, some of the commuters in the city voiced their reasons for choosing the bus services over other forms of public transport, citing a saving in costs as a huge contributor.
Tebogo Mashitisho said taxis have simply become too expensive.
“I used to spend R30 every day to travel to town from Seshego, but with Leeto it only costs me R20,” he added.
Jeannette Malatjie, who commutes daily with Leeto says the service is on time and she is never late for work.
“The routes are a big advantage. I can move from home straight to my place of work, instead of using more money to get a taxi in town from home first. We must save where we can as things are getting more and more expensive.”
Flora Park Taxi Association spokesperson, Joel Sathekge refuted rumours that the association will reduce prices from R9 to R7, but did say they are in talks with Leeto La Polokwane in terms of a request to increase the bus fare in order for the taxi industry to not lose business.
Read more: Leeto la Polokwane: Taxi associations and Polokwane Muni at loggerheads
The chairperson of the Limpopo National Taxi Alliance, Frans Kgasago pleaded with commuters to not compare the costs of modes of transport that are subsidised by government, with those that are not.
“While Leeto is assisted by government, we are on our own. We need the money for running costs to our vehicles, including services and fuel.”
