Will ‘green’ fleet save Metrobus?

A dual-fuel Metrobus at the launch of the new fleet in Auckland Park earlier this year. File photo: Paballo Thekiso / Independent Media

A dual-fuel Metrobus at the launch of the new fleet in Auckland Park earlier this year. File photo: Paballo Thekiso / Independent Media

Published Oct 13, 2015

Share

Johannesburg - Metrobus has lost nine percent of its users over the past year, with a loss of 1.3 million passengers.

The city’s public transport entity recorded a net loss of R3.8 million in the fourth quarter – increasing its deficit by R5.7 million year-on-year to R90.8 million - as shown in its most recent quarterly report.

Metrobus serviced 14.8 million passengers during the same time last year, but the recent numbers have dropped to 13.5 million.

The problems have been blamed on operational setbacks – from breakdowns because of an ageing fleet to the inability to re-fleet on time and the entry of new players in the industry, among others.

DA councillor Gavin Ray said he wasn’t surprised by the decreasing figures, due to the service’s major problems.

“The decline in users is not surprising,” he said, “considering Metrobus’s bungling service that includes late or non-arriving buses, shocking driving and poor revenue control that often sees the drivers embezzling fares.”

He added that 427 complaints were received during the three-month period from April to June this year.

“Passengers also complain that the new ‘green’ buses have illegible signage that makes it impossible to know which route the buses are operating on when they pass a bus stop,” Ray added.

Recent accidents involving Metrobus had also affected commuter trust in the service, according to Ray.

In June, two passengers and a bus driver were killed during what was later found to have been negligent driving between April and June this year.

Last year, 48 “blameworthy” accidents were also recorded, Ray said.

SETBACKS

“Metrobus desperately needs proper leadership from the department of transport in Johannesburg, as well as policy solutions that include changing the public-transport licensing system from a closed, politically connected system to an open system where licences are awarded based on objective quality-standards,” said Ray.

Metrobus managing director Mavela Dlamini seemed unfazed by Ray’s accusations of incompetence and negligence, while admitting the service had had its fair share of setbacks.

“With the economic hardships, many transport operators have taken a severe knock on their operations, and thus it’s not limited to Metrobus,” he said.

The City of Johannesburg launched its long-awaited green dual-fuel buses on 24 July. Dlamini said there were more than 70 new and refurbished buses, leading to the continuous and progressive enhancement of service quality.

“A significant improvement has been recorded in respect of the key business indicators, even at this early stage,” he added. “By mid-2016, our fleet will comprise 190 new buses.

“In respect of the current patronage, it has to be noted that a decline in our industry is attributable to many complex factors, such as new players in the industry, the economic experience of commuters, operational changes in the industry, recessionary pressures and also the availability of other transport options.”

Apart from Metrobus, commuters have had other public transport options in recent years, particularly Rea Vaya buses and the Gautrain.

Dlamini said all bus drivers would be sent for refresher training courses to prevent accidents, while a new fare system would help eliminate revenue loss and that the new fleet would help to improve the service’s sagging passenger numbers.

The Star

Related Topics: