“During the period of June to August, drivers received 201 fines, equating to about 67 fines per month or more than two fines a day,” said DA councillor Gavin Ray.
Ray expressed concern about the safety of commuters and other road users, saying reckless drivers needed to be reeled in.
“Driving a bus recklessly and over the speed limit shows complete disregard for the lives of the passengers and other motorists on the road,” he said.
Metrobus transports thousands of passengers dail,y but the bus services have been plagued by public complaints including unreliable buses, overloading of buses, poor driver behaviour and reckless driving.
Ray suggested Automatic Vehicle Location, technology used to monitor vehicles, should be used to ensure the drivers obey the rules of the road.
“Remote sensors can immediately report incidents such as driving over the speed limit. A control centre could immediately instruct the driver to slow down.”
All violations would be reported and driving would dramatically improve, he said.
Metrobus spokesperson Ester Dreyer welcomed the idea of using technology to monitor bus operations.
“Systems such as Automatic Vehicle Location would definitely be a great help and should be considered,” she said.
However, she said there were processes in place to deal with problematic drivers.
According to Dreyer, the company employs 492 drivers, operating from three depots and each driver reported to the depot manager and other senior officials.
“Drivers will be called in and interviewed with regard to traffic fines or any complaints submitted by members of the public,” she said.
“There is an internal process to be followed when drivers need to be disciplined. They are formally charged to appear at a hearing; the outcome of the hearing will determine whether or not he/she is to be dismissed.
Incidents involving speeding and reckless driving could be reported to the City of Joburg’s call centre on 011 375 5555 or 086 056 2874 (select option 6) or directly to Metrobus on 011 403 4300.
However, Dreyer said accurate information, including the bus registration number or bus number, the location and time of the incident, were essential for the company to identify the driver.
I am currently using metro bus.. Its absolutely horrible. Nevermind the driving, these busses break almost every day. Its overloaded – imagine being in an accident with all of us in the bus.. Who is going to pay for the damages??? WE PAY for this service. what do we get in return – filthy busses that break with that being said we ALWAYS wait for a bus. and even when that bus arrives (late as always) Its OVERLOADED!!!! Countless times I had to phone somebody to come and pick up. For most of us this is our only form of transport. Something drastic needs to be done. Whats happening to the money that we pay for bus tags. Please anybody!!!!! this is unfair to us. We all need to go to work to support our families!!!!