South African bus company Putco is expected to resume its schedule on Friday, 5 May 2023.
Putco bus schedule for Friday, 5 May 2023: Here’s what you must know
On Thursday, Gauteng’s carrier suspended its services until further notice due to diesel shortages caused by an outstanding subsidy from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
According to Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu, the disruption of services was a result of unpaid March subsidy claims and consequently, the company could not fork out the money to purchase fuel.
Xulu added that Putco’s fuel affordability issues were exacerbated by recent petrol price changes.
“In addition, the relief that the bus industry requested has not been granted, leaving bus operators in a very difficult situation,” Xulu explained.
Following a series of crunch talks with the transport department, Putco confirmed its fleet of buses will return to service the following routes on Friday, 5 May 2023:
- Soweto to North Johannesburg, via Midrand
- Johannesburg CBD to North Johannesburg
- Soshanguve to Pretoria suburbs
- Bronkhorstspruit to Pretoria
- Bronkhorstspruit to Kaalfontein, Ekurhuleni
- KwaNdebele, Mpumalanga, to Tshwane CBD
- Eldorado Park to Johannesburg CBD and North
From what we understand, the contingency afforded to Putco can only guarantee bus services on Friday but according to the transport department’s Lesabi Mypa, plans are underway to meet the diesel demands to fulfil next week’s schedule.
“We are trying to have a situation where even tomorrow there is a security of service beyond Monday so that this thing does not reoccur. The primary solution is to ensure that there is a long-lasting relationship between ourselves and Putco and that can only be as an effect of rendering a sustainable, disruption-less service to our people,” Mypa said.