POLOKWANE – Trial operations for all routes of the Leeto La Polokwane Phase 1A operations will take place between 30 March and 19 April, while actual operation is anticipated to start on 20 April.
Rebotile Malakalaka, Assistant Manager for Public Transport Regulation and Compliance, told BONUS that busses will be on the road as part of the driver training and capacitation period as of 1 March 2021, but due to delays in Phase 1A, bus routes are yet to be determined by the Department of Transport.
In addition, fares have been determined for commuters travelling between Seshego, Westenburg, Flora Park and the city with a ride from Seshego costing R10 and Westenburg and Flora Park costing R6 each.
Malakalaka says a financial model, followed by a public participation process, was conducted to determine costs.
Previously, Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng said that Leeto La Polokwane was not a money-making entity, but rather one that is meant to ensure that residents have a reliable, and affordable transport system.
Read more: [WATCH] Modern Leeto La Polokwane buses are ready for passengers
Malakalaka says the bus frequency will be 15 minutes headways during peak times and 30 minutes off-peak. “This means that there will be a bus at every bus stop every 15 minutes during peak times, and every 30 minutes during off-peak times.”
She also confirmed that the bus depot located in Seshego Zone 5 has not been completed yet and that operations will commence in the absence of the depot.
“The phasing-in of the buses will not wait until the construction of the depot is completed. In the meantime, the layover facility located at corner Blaauwberg and Fluoorspar streets will be utilised.”
Card distribution started in December 2020 and will resume again as of 23 March as the travel card is undergoing some minor changes from the initial plans.
Malakalaka says that information will be communicated in due course.
