12 Jan 2014

The department of transport has introduced an additional route, in an effort to make public transport accessible to all in Mahalapye.

Mahalapye transport station manager, Mr Desmond Dagwi said the Mooko route  was introduced after a survey was carried out. He said there was currently only one mini-bus operator utilising the route, adding that he was using a temporary permit.

“Other operators have applied for permanent permits and their applications are being evaluated,” he said. Mahalapye transport inspector, Mr Michael Mazibane said the route covers Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) houses, Mahalapye Magistrates Court, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) staff houses, Cresta Hotel and the new Flowertown Towers Shopping Centre.

Mr Mazibane said there was another new route being considered. “The route was proposed by a mini-bus operator, it will be the Madiba route. It will pass by Madiba Post Office,” he said. On other issues, Mr Mazibane bemoaned the practice by taxi drivers to use bus stops as ranks.

“Queuing for passengers at bus stops is wrong. Taxi drivers must queue at the rank,” said Mr Mazibane. He noted that such practice resulted in taxis obstructing the general traffic. Mr Mazibane also criticised taxi drivers for offloading passengers at bus stops.

He said taxis must ferry passengers to their homes. He said it was an offence for taxi operators to refuse to ferry passengers to their homes, adding that it could result in the driver having their licence to operate public transport revoked.

He encouraged passengers to report taxi drivers who refuse to ferry them home. ENDS