Cape Town - A new bus operator will begin ferrying commuters in Durban from next month, says Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele.
Commuters in the eThekwini Metro area had been stranded since Durban Transport, one of the city's subsidised bus services, was forced to discontinue its services earlier this week amid financial difficulties.
"We must acknowledge that the bus sector is experiencing problems and requires urgent intervention. Durban Transport, one of our subsidised bus services is beset with problems," said Minister Ndebele.
He said the department and municipality were in the process of appointing new operators who would start on 1 August for a period of 12 months.
"The city is finalising discussions with taxi and other bus services to provide additional trips during July to maintain ongoing services," said Minister Ndebele.
The new operators will only provide management services and drivers since the fleet and depot facilities are owned by the municipality.
The minister said a plan will be unveiled soon to grow the bus sector as part of local integrated networks and city-to-city services and that the Bus Rapid Transit system and the subsidy system were a part of this initiative.
