South africa: bye bye buses

While thousands of Eastern Cape migrants usually travel home for the festive season, the economic downturn has lead to a dip in long-distance bus travel in South Africa...

At the Joe Gqabi transport interchange in Philippi, where those travelling to the Eastern Cape gather to catch buses, operators said fewer people were travelling home for the holidays.

Gordon Makaluza of Miyas Transport said business had slumped compared to last year, as cash-strapped migrants avoided buses and opted for cheaper trains.

Mr Makaluza, whose company operates six buses on the Eastern Cape route, said a trip was £27 and customers had asked why prices had not been brought down in line with fuel prices.

However, Mr Makaluza said this was not possible "because we are not subsidised by the Government."

He said the cost of fleet maintenance, insurance and traffic Fines introduced to ensure passenger safety were "killing" business.

Siyabonga Yawa, a driver for Nowata Tours, also complained of the slump in business due to "hard times".

Thembisa Mkohlwa, Marketing Manager of DMJ buses, said the downturn in bookings was a result of the credit crunch, but he said bookings were "pushing up slowly".

Mkohlwa said most of their customers didn't book ahead, but rather showed up at the buses when they wanted to leave.

She said the fares were £27, similar to last year's, and she expected an influx of customers after the closure of factories this week.

"We increase the fleet during the holidays and put some buses on standby," she said.

She advised customers to try to book in time to avoid a last-minute rush.

"It is looking promising," said Corne de Waal, Intercape Revenue Manager.

Some who usually travelled by air were switching to bus travel because of the high cost of air tickets, De Waal said.

Fares varied and depended on demand, he said, adding that some of their customers now preferred to pay using credit cards rather than with cash.

Zodwa and Nomhle Sibani, who were about to board a bus, said they would not have taken the trip if it was not for the funeral they were going to attend.

"There is no money and things are expensive," said Zodwa.

A migrant from Port Elizabeth, who declined to be named, said going home was now more about making an appearance.

She said last year she bought groceries worth £345, including clothing for her jobless parents, who depended on a £63-a-month Government grant.

Her spend on groceries would only be £138 this year, she said.

"This is not enough to buy food and clothing for our extended family of 12 people," she said.

She was going to pool resources with others and share the driving in a bid to cut on high bus fares this year.

Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director Albert Schuitmaker said while a huge number of migrants might go home, the figure would be lower than previous years.

He said these travellers may choose not to go home and spend their money on basics.

Source: www.iol.co.za