Butterworth bus company AB350 received a boost when transport MEC Weziwe Tikana handed over 20 buses yesterday.
AB350 is a subsidiary of the department of transport and operates within the Butterworth region.
The additional buses will see the company’s fleet increasing to 184, 18 of which are currently not being used and are being kept in case of emergencies.
Another 10 buses will be handed over to Mbizana municipality next month.
The new buses will ease pressure and ensure there are enough buses to transport villagers who rely on the service in Mnquma.
The provincial transport department spent R131-million in the 2016/17 financial year on AB350, which was increased to R143-million in the current financial year.
AB350 bus driver Siphiwe Nguza said: “I’m proud to see that our passengers will be commuting in new and comfortable buses.”
He said the drivers were sure to receive fewer complaints from passengers.
Tikana said: “The department provides an operational subsidy linked to the number of kilometres travelled.”
Transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said: “We subsidise them so they can operate in rural areas. We are introducing 30 new buses that will work in Butterworth and the Mbizana area in an effort to try to improve public transport.”
The department subsidises AB350, the Algoa Bus Company in Port Elizabeth, and Mayibuye Transport Corporation, which operates in Buffalo City Metro, Amathole and some parts of the Chris Hani district.
“I’m happy that services are being brought to our people. I’m even happier that we are part of the team that aims on improving people’s lives in the rural areas,: said AB350 chairman Simlindile Hintsa.
He said the company employed more than 400 people and with the additional buses.
Mnquma mayor Thobeka Bikitsha spoke highly of AB350. “The company has given us hope by pledging to assist us with maintenance of roads from time to time in order to curb life-threatening challenges that face our commuters due to the poor state of rural road infrastructure.”
New buses will improve lives of rural residents
AB350 is a subsidiary of the department of transport and operates within the Butterworth region.
The additional buses will see the company’s fleet increasing to 184, 18 of which are currently not being used and are being kept in case of emergencies.
Another 10 buses will be handed over to Mbizana municipality next month.
The new buses will ease pressure and ensure there are enough buses to transport villagers who rely on the service in Mnquma.
The provincial transport department spent R131-million in the 2016/17 financial year on AB350, which was increased to R143-million in the current financial year.
AB350 bus driver Siphiwe Nguza said: “I’m proud to see that our passengers will be commuting in new and comfortable buses.”
He said the drivers were sure to receive fewer complaints from passengers.
Tikana said: “The department provides an operational subsidy linked to the number of kilometres travelled.”
Transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said: “We subsidise them so they can operate in rural areas. We are introducing 30 new buses that will work in Butterworth and the Mbizana area in an effort to try to improve public transport.”
The department subsidises AB350, the Algoa Bus Company in Port Elizabeth, and Mayibuye Transport Corporation, which operates in Buffalo City Metro, Amathole and some parts of the Chris Hani district.
“I’m happy that services are being brought to our people. I’m even happier that we are part of the team that aims on improving people’s lives in the rural areas,: said AB350 chairman Simlindile Hintsa.
He said the company employed more than 400 people and with the additional buses.
Mnquma mayor Thobeka Bikitsha spoke highly of AB350. “The company has given us hope by pledging to assist us with maintenance of roads from time to time in order to curb life-threatening challenges that face our commuters due to the poor state of rural road infrastructure.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos