Will Metrobus ever change?
"Metrobus is going through a transformation process. This will include redesigned routes, revision of the organisational structure and new buses and ticketing system."
This according to Esther Dreyer, Metrobus spokesperson. She said, “Metrobus wishes to extend its appreciation to customers who understand our predicament and we apologise for any delays and the cancellation of some of our scheduled trips.”
This is the only consolation Dreyer offers on behalf of Metrobus.
Residents have been complaining about poor service delivery from Metrobus for months now.
According to Hannelie Strydom the 6.30am (412) bus “has been late for this past month” and has not been on the road the previous morning.
“The bus drove past but didn’t stop. We were several passengers waiting at the bus stop but they said there was no one,” said Strydom.
Residents have been complaining that specifically the 412 bus often is three hours late and it does not stop when there are no commuters at the bus stop.
Buses allegedly are overloaded regularly and break down often.
The record reported previously that female passengers complain about buses that are not on schedule, which means they often arrive at their destinations after dark and this puts them in danger.
Last Tuesday, 3 February, the 412 bus allegedly took more than three hours to reach its destination.
“According to the schedule a bus should be running every 15 minutes, but we are lucky if there is one every 30 to 45 minutes during peak times.”
Erica van Rheede, a commuter who takes the 414 bus, said buses are cancelled without warning and when she calls the Roodepoort depot, the person on the other end is rude.
In addition, Natalia Scheepers, another disgruntled passenger, said she had to sell her car as it was damaged two years ago when a Metrobus had driver lost control of the bus and hit her parked car. It took too long for the car to be fixed and a failed meeting with the supervisors forced her to sell her car due to financial strain.
