The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the recent remarks by the Provincial Minster of Transport and Public Works, Bonginkosi Madikizela, on the partnership between the Department and Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) to test new technological solutions to counter the attacks and robberies of buses.
MPP Daylin Mitchell says: “Whilst GABS is a private company which receives subsidies from government, the City and provincial governments have come together in the best interest of commuter safety for the 220 000 commuters who rely on GABS every week day.
The proposed testing of cameras and panic buttons by the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works in partnership with GABS is an important step to making sure that commuters in our province can safely travel without fear. These technological solutions alongside the recent deployment of law enforcement officers on Golden Arrow buses and the work by the City of Cape Town in implementing stop-and-search procedures creates a holistic response to the challenges faced by commuters.
Public transport needs to progressively connect the entire province, especially as we safely work towards rebuilding the economy. Criminal activities cannot be allowed to steal from our hard working residents on their way to and from work. And while I welcome the recent arrests of five suspects believed to be connect to previous attacks and robberies on the service, preventative measures are needed to make sure commuters and drivers are safe. In the past 6 months, GABS has reported that there are between 6 and 7 robberies on their buses a week, with bus drivers being the intended target at least half the time.
Therefore, as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, I will invite the provincial department, the City of Cape Town and the Golden Arrow Bus Service to brief the committee on the recent developments to improve commuter safety. The partnership between GABS, the province, and the City of Cape Town is poised to go some way in bringing stability and safety back to the bus service.”
The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to creating dignity for commuters through a safe and reliable transport service.
