MORE than 350 workers fear losing their jobs while over 68 000 commuters face being stranded after the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit was brought to a sudden halt.
The City of Joburg announced on Tuesday, 14 April, that several bus routes would be temporarily suspended due to financial challenges.
The buses affected include routes T2 and T3 (Soweto to Joburg CBD and Braamfontein), C4 (Windsor West and Cresta to Library Gardens), C5 (Florida North and Newlands), C6 (Dobsonville to Milpark), as well as F11 and F12 routes servicing areas like Yeoville and Parktown.
According to the city, the suspension comes after delays in payments to the bus operating company caused by the municipality's budget adjustment process.
"The City of Joburg advises commuters and the public that these services have been temporarily suspended until further notice," the statement read.
But behind the official statement lies growing frustration and fear. Workers said they're in the dark about their salaries.
Speaking to Daily Sun, a shop steward at the Dobsonville depot, Risimati Mathebula said: "We are waiting for the 27th. We are not sure if we will be paid. This demoralises workers."
He blamed politics for the crisis.
"What's happening is because of politics in the City of Joburg. The mayor is letting us down. When Rea Vaya doesn't operate, the city is losing revenue. This service contributes about 60% of the total collection in the city."
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He warned that stopping operations could hurt the city financially. "You can't jeopardise a system that's giving you most of your earnings," he said.
Commuters are also feeling the pinch.
Although passengers won't lose money already loaded onto their travel cards, they are now forced to dig deeper into their pockets to find alternative transport.
"When you refill our tags, they don't expire until used," the shop steward explained.
"The problem is commuters now need extra money because we don't do refunds."
Drivers are also left in limbo, reporting for duty every morning only to be sent back home.
Frustrated commuter Sibongile Msibi said the service can no longer be trusted.
"This is becoming unreliable. We depend on these buses every day," she said.
The city has since apologised to passengers for the inconvenience and asked for patience while the matter is being resolved.
