RECOMMENDATIONS to ensure the smooth operation of bus services at the Ntuzuma Bus Depot were made when a team of officials, led by Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo, conducted an unannounced inspection at the depot on 5 February.

The inspection was conducted onsite and on the road, where the delegation took a bus ride from the
depot to the bus terminus close to The Workshop. The visit aimed to identify challenges faced by the Municipal bus service, which is run by private operator Tansnat, and subsequently find resolutions to address them. Among elements that were inspected were the general cleanliness of the depot facilities, bus repair turnaround times, bus cleanliness, staff uniforms, driver competency, drivers’ interaction with commuters, safety and security, maintenance of bus stop shelters and the adherence to Covid-19 safety regulations at the depot and on the bus.

Councillor Sabelo emphasised that the safety of commuters must always be prioritised and stressed the importance of taking all necessary measures to minimise accidents. “It is very important that
drivers are monitored and tested for any form of substance use before driving,” said Councillor Sabelo.

Some recommendations raised for consideration included driver training to improve driving skills and interaction with commuters, camera installations inside buses to promote accountability in case of accidents, modification of recruitment processes to ensure suitable personnel are hired and the provision of all necessary resources and support, including psychological, for drivers. “These buses belong to the public, we must have drivers who will treat commuters in a friendly manner and empathise with the elderly,” added Councillor Sabelo.

Apprising Councillor Sabelo on developments being made to improve the commuter experience and the bus service, Deputy Head of the Public Transport Department Mlungisi Wosiyana said they are looking into different material options for designing bus stop shelters as the current ones made of steel are easy vandalism targets for steel dealers. “We are looking into materials that will not be easy to vandalise and will also be easy and inexpensive to maintain,” said Wosiyana.

nonhlanhla.mkhabela@durban.gov.za