A few commuters were unable to attend to their obligations following rumours that the buses will not be operating. Speaking to IBL’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Christo du Plessis, he explained that buses are operating as usual and will continue to do so.

The Passenger Focus Group Committee took the matter to the streets on Monday with an attempt to get answers for the increase. The bus fare increased with 4.5% today, and Du Plessis stated the increase is due to the recent increase of diesel.

Monday’s attempt to get clarity about the increase was joined by two community pressure groups, the Mangaung Service Delivery Forum (MSDF) and the Mangaung Concerned Community (MCC).

The statement released by these three groups stated that this will be the second increase implemented. The first increase of 6% was implemented in January.

Before taking it to the streets, the MSDF’s Themba Zweni told OFM News that they tried getting hold of the MEC of Police, Roads, and Transport, William Bulwane, and this department’s acting HOD, Robinson Thekiso, to find out if they indeed support this increase.

Zweni said they are under the impression that the Free State Provincial Government is also aware of the latest increase and they allegedly authorised it. What the groups are pleading for, is that the bus line’s commuters be consulted before any increases are made.

Inquiries have been sent to Bulwane’s office and the department for comment.

OFM News