As the Easter holiday period approaches, the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Mr Thulaziswe Thomo, is calling for heightened vigilance and responsibility within the public transport sector, with a strong focus on both operators and passengers.
Easter remains one of the busiest travel periods, with thousands of commuters relying on public transport to reach their destinations. This increased demand places significant responsibility on operators to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers at all times.
MEC Thomo has urged all public transport operators to strictly adhere to road safety regulations by ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy, drivers are properly licensed and fit to operate, and that loading limits are not exceeded. Overloading, speeding, and reckless driving continue to pose serious risks to passenger safety and will not be tolerated.
In reinforcing compliance, MEC Thomo will join law enforcement operations led by the Transport Inspectorate across the province. These operations are aimed at enforcing the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), with a particular focus on public transport vehicles to ensure full compliance during this high-traffic period.
Public transport operators are further reminded to apply for special permits when operating outside their designated routes, especially when hired for trips during the Easter holidays. Non-compliance with permit conditions is a serious offence and will result in law enforcement action.
“Passenger safety must come first. We call on operators to act responsibly and on passengers to demand safe and lawful transport. Together, we can prevent unnecessary loss of life,” said MEC Thomo.
The Department remains committed to strengthening road safety, particularly within the public transport sector, and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a safe Easter travel period.
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