After the Record investigative team’s damning video exposé of the ills that hamper Metrobus’ service, the entity eventually responded.
Although it took a while for them to comment, Metrobus can be complimented on a well thought out, positive reaction that did not include excuses but offered solutions.
As far as delays are concerned Lawrence Maqekoane, acting Managing Director, admitted that fleet capacity faces serious challenges and is often the cause of these problems. He also explained that the age of many buses cause them to break down, which results in delays or non-availability. The good news is that the City had approved the purchase of 150 new dual-fuel, ‘green’ buses and in the meantime until these are delivered they will be looking into leasing buses.
With regard to complaints about irregularities, the public is asked to call 011 375 5555 and choose option 6. Maqekoane emphasised that when a complaint is lodged, the person must have the bus ticket that was used for that specific trip at hand since the ticket contains the information needed for the investigation.
The practice of not issuing tickets to passengers or giving them old tickets is a very serious, immediate dismissal offence. Passengers must insist on receiving a ticket or else report it. Should an inspector find a passenger without a ticket, both the driver and the passenger will be in trouble. Passengers are advised to purchase a tag or smart card to help to eradicate ticket fraud. This also would eliminate the problem of not having the right change.
“It is unrealistic for passengers to want change for R100 – it wastes time and also contributes to buses running late,” Maqekoane rightly says.
Motorists who observe reckless driving by bus drivers need to provide either the registration number or fleet number of the bus with as much evidence as possible when reporting such incidents.
“I would like to emphasise at this point that all complaints are recorded and directed to the right depot where they will be investigated,” Maqekoane assured the Record.
