Security on buses still not implemented

BUS passenger safety remains compromised, as security measures to tackle attacks are yet to be implemented.

This comes while the working committee has been hailed for developing “proactive security measures” to tackle attacks on Golden Arrow Bus Service (Gabs) passengers.

Since the start of the year, until April, 93 armed robberies took place on buses – 25 of which were recorded last month.

A total of 224 robberies were recorded last year, and the bus service suffered R102 million in damages.

The standing committee on transport and public works was briefed by the committee, comprising the City, Gabs and the provincial Department of Transport and Public Works yesterday.

Transport and Public Works official Faizel Williams said while MyCiti and Dial-a-Ride suffered damages due to service delivery protest actions, Gabs was also faced with armed robberies.

“Commuter bus operations and their passengers are unsafe, as they have been subjected to increased attacks over the last few years. We have developed five projects to deal with this and are working to implement them soon.

“The first is to focus on high-visibility patrols, that will reduce opportunities for crime, and improve surveillance. We also want to improve perception of safety and change attitudes towards the public transport system.

“We have been informed that robberies are taking place because there is a belief that these are government buses and they are under insurance,” said Williams.

Gabs general manager Derick Meyer and safety and security mayoral committee member JP Smith, who expressed frustration, said high conviction rates would send a strong message to the perpetrators, however, “there was not a single one”.

The ANC's Lulama Mvimbi suggested that the committee also includes other stakeholders, such as community-based structures.

DA spokesperson for transport and public works Daylin Mitchell said collaboration between the three parties has made strides in forming proactive measures to improve commuter safety.

“Surveillance technology and the deployment of law enforcement officers on buses is currently under way, yielding good progress …”