By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Rea Vaya bus services in Johannesburg has been suspended until further notice over dispute on new feeder routes.
Fullview learnt that the decision to halt operations follows buses being intercepted by unknown people on Monday.
The City of Johannesburg MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene will attempt to help the parties find a solution on Tuesday.
The bus service operator notified passengers via social media on Tuesday morning.
“Rea Vaya buses remain suspended until further notice. MMC for Transport, Cllr Kenny Kunene will be meeting the public transport operators today to resolve the cause of the problem,” Rea Vaya posted on X.
Rea Vaya explained that “transport stakeholders” were upset about feeder routes after Kunene unveiled 45 new buses that would operate on routes throughout Soweto.
National Taxi Alliance (NTA) spokesperson Theo Malele said the new buses were rolled out without proper consultation and use registrations from outside Gauteng.
“The office of the MMC Kenny Kunene did not inform even the structures. Until they get their ducks in a row, operations will not resume until further notice.
“All these issues must be corrected and proper channels be followed before operations can be considered brought back to full swing.”
Malele criticized the move by Piotrans, calling it a disrespect to the law and undermining the leadership of the taxi industry.