Metrobus addresses issues

In light of several high profile accidents involving metrobus vehicles that have been the subject of great public concern, executives Metrobus sought to provide a general overview on the changes due to be made in the company.

Metrobus Managing Director Mavela Dlamini acknowledged that Metrobus was under the strain of certain operational difficulties, and sincerely noted that the company required an overhaul in certain areas.

“We see ourselves as the drivers of the economy, we move people. People who go to work, who go to academic institutions. We need to ensure that the vehicles are in good condition and are operated in a safe environment,” said Dlamini.

Dlamini reviewed and followed up with several major metrobus accidents this included:

• The incident in Randburg last year where a unattended metrobus rolled 247m crashing into a factory which resulted in four fatalities, the driver responsible went through internal disciplinary procedures for negligence and it was determined by a presiding officer stated that the driver could not be held responsible.
• In February an empty metrobus plunged off the Queen Elizabeth bridge in town, the driver concerned was booked off due to his injuries and is expected to return to work this month to answer questions regarding the incident.
• Two metrobuses collided head on Jan Smuts Avenue on 24 April, the preliminary assessment is that one of the drivers lost control as he was negotiating the curve and subsequently collided with another oncoming metrobus.

“These kinds of accidents indicate that the drivers were not cautious,” Dlamini emphasised that the he felt drivers required upgraded training, and said that the company had hired a private sector service provider, and had a curriculum put together, as all metrobus drivers will soon be receiving new training.

“My sense is that the skills [of the drivers are] waning. They [have to have] the ability to manage difficult traffic and weather conditions. Some [drivers] assume that just because they have a [Professional Driving Permit], they are as competent as can be. Driving is a skill you practice on a daily basis, [they need more] cutting edge skills.”

Dlamini also acknowledged that the metrobus service is not as reliable as it should be, he stated that there were 412 buses that traveled 229 routes across the city.

The majority of the vehicles in the fleet were older than 10 years and as a result had to be serviced more frequently, and as a result could not always follow schedules on time.

He said Metrobus have ordered 150 new buses, the first batch of which should arrive in June.

“My sense is that the company in a nutshell has been grossly under managed for a number of years. Policies that have been put in place by management has not been followed through…that cascades down to our drivers,” he said.