The Department of Roads and Transport this week showed their committed in ensuring that the public transport system is accessible, safe and reliable by cracking down on unroadworthy buses and bus operators not in possession of public transport permits in and around Louis Trichardt.

The MEC for Roads and Transport responded to the call by the communities of Vleifontein, Sinthumule and Madombidzha by deploying additional law enforcement officers to deal with issues of safety and compliance. This follows a meeting on Sunday at the Civic Centre in Louis Trichardt between the Limpopo Department of Transport’s head of department, Tau Letebele, a member of the legislature, Lehlohonolo Maroga, the transport committee, the Vhembe Buses Organisation, traffic officers and traditional leaders to discuss the matter. Irate commuters recently decided to boycott one bus company, because their safety was not guaranteed, as most of the buses are unroadworthy. Buses which often arrive late were also the cause of much frustration, with people losing their jobs as they continually arrive late for work. Parents are also continu-ously summoned to schools because their children arrive late as a result of the poor service by bus companies.

Since Sunday’s meeting, MEC Pinky Kekana has ordered that all buses should be re-tested for roadworthiness and permits checked for routes they are operating on. Passenger liability insurance for each bus will also be checked in compliance with the legal requirements to run passenger services. Audits will also be conducted to measure compliance with contractual obligations.

Operations were intensified this week in the Makhado Municipality to monitor vehicles that ferry members of the public in and around the concerned areas. Spot checks are conducted and, in just one day, 142 vehicles were stopped and had their status examined. Of the vehicles stopped, 18 buses and two taxis were impounded after they were found not to have permits and further tests will be conducted to establish their roadworthiness.

“We call on our people to cooperate with these endeavours of the department by reporting operators who transport passengers in vehicles whose roadworthiness is questionable. Commut-ers deserve better,” MEC Kekana said.

Hundreds of commuters could be seen walking to work on Tuesday morning, after their buses were stopped and taken off the road by law enforcement officers just outside Louis Trichardt. Although this caused some inconvenience to many as the operations affect almost every household and business in Louis Trichardt, most people are optimistic that this is a step in the right direction with regard to road safety and improved service delivery.