Pretoria – Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport has reassured thousands of commuters in the Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng municipalities that they will not be affected by Putco bus service disruptions.
“I am pleased that there will be no disruption of bus services to the public as we have signed a short term agreement with Autopax,” he said on Tuesday.
Autopax, a state owned entity and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), will operate the eight affected contracts that were not renewed by Putco as of 30 June 2015.
On Monday, the Public Utility Transport Corporation (Putco), informed the provincial department about its intention to cease operations in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng municipalities.
MEC Vadi said the department has entered into a temporary, three month contract with Autopax to render continuity of services to the commuters in the affected areas of Mamelodi, Midvaal and Kathorus.
“In the interests of the commuters, the public at large and continued service delivery in the affected areas, the department is obligated to facilitate the provision of alternative, subsidised road passenger transport,” he said.
He further indicated that the department is continuing discussions with Autopax with a view to concluding a more durable contract.
Early this year, Putco indicated to the department its intention not to accept an extension of the eight contracts when these were renewed in March 2015. The department negotiated with Putco to provide the services up to 30 June 2015.
The department provides subsidised road passenger transport through contracts with bus operators and previously had contracted Putco to provide the services in respect of tendered contracts on the following routes:
- Kathorus, Edenvale, Germiston and Linbro Park;
- Kathorus and Johannesburg;
- Kathorus, Boksburg and Kempton Park;
- Evaton, Sebokeng, Orange Farm, Meyerton and surrounding areas;
- Mamelodi and southern suburbs of the Pretoria area;
- Mamelodi and eastern suburbs of the Pretoria area;
- Mamelodi and northern suburbs of the Pretoria area; and
- Mamelodi and Pretoria CBD.
Autopax will operate the bus routes on the same timetables and rates as previously operated by Putco.
MEC Vadi appealed to commuters to be patient should there be any teething problems in the changeover of operators.
There is pending litigation between the department and Putco on whether or not Autopax is obligated to take over Putco employees that worked on the tendered contracts.
This matter is expected to be heard in court today. - SAnews.gov.za
