LIMPOPO – This after several complaints from commuters, who say their topped-up tags are not registering when catching buses to work in the morning. The new system operator is causing an inconvenience, especially at peak times in the morning. When commuters board a bus using the tag, they are given invalid slips and they are denied access or they have to pay cash and those who have proof of payment, are allowed to board.
Ngwako Matima, a commuter says he also experienced the problem. “Sometimes when I use it, an invalid slip comes out so I have to carry cash with me just incase it happens because they do not let us get on the bus if that happens” Bahwaduba Bus manager, Japie Boshoff said they are aware of the problem commuters are experiencing, “We took the matter to the Department of Transport for assistance is rectifying the problem,” he told BONUS.
The company is one of 26 bus subsidy contract beneficiaries by the Department of Transport and Spokesperson, Joel Seabi says challenges were expected after the department introduces the Electronic Vehicle Trip Monitoring System (EVTMS). “This enables operators to sell multi-journey tickets to commuters. It was introduced in February and as a new operating system, we were expecting challenges in the beginning, however, a technical service provider is assisting to resolve the challenges,” he said. Seabi advised commuters to voice their concerns at the depo or bus centers where they get their tickets.
