We are always delighted when we can assist road users in addressing their safety concerns. We would like to share one such request for assistance received and the response to our referral to the operator via SABOA:
Question:
I am complaining regarding the safety of Commuters from Hammanskraal to Midrand using Botlhaba bus Service that’s is not safe and unroad worthy (shift 16)
We have tried to engage management on several occasions without any solution in sight yet there are new buses given to local(Short distance)
1.The bus leaks diesel and oil on the road
2.The bus always stuck on the road
3.It sometimes has smoke inside when it heats up.
4.During Rainy days its dripping wet.
I have resorted to complain to you as a best option for better solution regarding this matter.
Referral from SABOA
Please see the e-mail below regarding a complaint against Botlhaba Bus Service on the route Hammanskraal to Midrand.
It will be appreciated if we could receive your urgent comments on the complaint.
Kind regards
Eric Cornelius
Executive Manager
SABOA
Answer:
I investigated the complaint and can respond as follows:
- Shift 16 was not allocated with a permanent bus and it is true that the buses used on the shift were some of the older buses – 20 years old plus.
- Botlhaba operates only five shifts to Midrand and when one of the buses on this route has a breakdown there is no alternative shifts that the passengers can use to get home.
It was decided to allocate one of the newer buses (Fleet Number 2843) on a permanent basis to shift 16. The Operations manager at the Babelegi depot (Sello Mabata) also had a meeting with the passengers travelling on shift 16 to explain how the problem was resolved and they are now satisfied that their complaint was attended to.
Nic de Beer
Senior Manager Operations NWS