Transport department intervenes to assist stranded bus commuters
Taxi operating licences are being issued to mitigate the impact of the national bus strike.
The Department of Transport has called on its provincial branches to issue licences to ensure bus commuters are not left stranded.
Bus drivers affiliated to several unions including the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) and the Transport and Allied Workers Union (Tawu) embarked on a national strike on Tuesday.
The drivers are demanding improved working conditions and a 15% salary increase.
Transport spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi says the Prasa Shosholoza Meyl will also increase its capacity.
“The Prasa Shosholoza Meyl increased their capacity in corridors they are currently servicing. The routes includes Johannesburg to Cape Town, Johannesburg to Durban, and Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth,” Mnisi says.
Commuters lament the strike has been a huge headache.