After a long time of worrying about the services from Putco, commuters will be relieved to know that Pucto has increased its bus fleet with brand new buses. Putco already had 1 400 buses that are already operating and transports more than 210 000 passengers on a daily basis around Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. The new buses are made to improve service to passengers and more buses are to be expected in the next coming weeks. And Putco says their goal is to obtain 100 new buses over 12 months.
Putco has faced challenges of high maintenance costs and high diesel prices and expensive spares that need to be replaced from time to time but putting that aside they have still managed to increase the number of buses and improve the look and security features.
Putco has now included doors that remain shut until the bus is stationary and the handbrake is applied, the doors are also easy to open during emergency situations which makes it easier and safer for passengers. The are also other secured exit points that can be accessed with ease should it be necessary, and there are also safety belts on seats that are exposed so it’s easier for passengers to see and be able to use them.
The design of the buses aims to minimize the impact of conditions created by unfortunate weather conditions and poor road infrastructure. The buses have a new look and have upgraded security features for both the passengers and drivers with hopes that with the new improvements both the passengers and drivers will find the buses satisfactory.
These buses will be allocated according to operational needs in the different regions where Putco operates. Putco also asks passengers to avoid vandalizing and burning the buses. Damaging buses causes financial loss to the company and is also a disadvantage to commuters, it also compromises the ability to provide a better service which results in a backlog while trying to increase the number of buses, and affects the attempts to contribute positively to the vision of growing South African economy.
Commuters and drivers should all work together to ensure that the buses are kept in the same condition as they are so that every bus ride is enjoyable for every passenger.
