Joint Press Statement by:
Cllr. Mark van der Merwe DA Spokesperson on Metrobus
Cllr. Tyrell Meyers DA Shadow MMC for Transport, in the City of Johannesburg
View photos of multiple incidents involving Metrobus busses here and here. Images from today’s incident here, and here.
The DA in the City of Johannesburg, notes with grave concern the failing state of the Metropolitan Bus Services (Metrobus). Bearing in mind the serious accident involving one of the city’s busses this morning outside the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the city can ill afford to have 145 busses, out of 383, out of service.
We wish a speedy recovery to those involved in the tragic accident this morning. However, the question arises from this and a plethora of other accidents, how and when will the city address yet another failing entity under their charge.
We call on the MMC of Transport in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Kenny Kunene, to launch an investigation to determine the extent of the Metrobus’ involvement in the accident.
Thousands of people in Johannesburg and its surrounding areas are dependent on the usage of the Metrobus system. With 38% of the buses out of commission (OOC), these commuters are left stranded. The most recent quarterly report confirms exactly that while noting that Metrobus was unable to meet their required planned trips.
With an aging fleet, 59% of the busses are older than 15 years, the Metrobus service not only lags behind the industry standard in the age of their fleet, but the numerous accidents this year begs the question – can residents trust the service?
Safety and trust are both crucial aspects of public transport, and Metrobus is proving to be neither safe nor trustworthy. It is high time that these busses enter the modern era. Drivers should be monitored while bus maintenance and an actual delivery of services should become the main goal. Under leadership of the current government, Johannesburg is fast becoming a hub for failure in service delivery and serious accidents.
The DA will not rest until answers are obtained. It is unacceptable that users of public transport need fear for their lives in the economic hub of the country.