REA Vaya drivers left thousands of commuters stranded since yesterday when they went on an unannounced strike.
Traffic came to a standstill as the drivers blocked Albertina Sisulu Street in Joburg’s CBD.
Buses were left parked in the road with engines running as 150 uniformed drivers held a meeting at Library Gardens to discuss grievances.
A security guard said the buses started lining up at about 9am.
Drivers said they wanted new management and a pay increase.“Our management treats us badly and we have taken it for too long,” said a driver who didn’t want to be named.“I go to work every day but the money isn’t enough to send my kids to school.”
Commuter Kenosi Modiselle (23) of Rockville said: “They always strike without informing us, like the taxis. I fill my card with money for the whole month. Next thing I am told there is no Rea Vaya – and it’s just the second day of the month,” she said.
Tshepo Padima (25) of Pimville said he was forced to get off at Library Gardens.
“I got a bus from Lake View station and then the driver parked in the middle of the road and told us to get off. I couldn’t go to school in Alex because the money I have will only allow me to get home using taxis.
An official said the city couldn’t comment as Rea Vaya drivers work for a private company. Rea Vaya announced on its website that services were disrupted until further notice.
Messages and emails to get hold of a municipal workers’ union representative for feedback from the drivers’ meeting were not returned by the time of going to print.
Drivers from Piotrans, operating the Rea Vaya buses around Johannesburg, were on strike for a second day on Tuesday, the company said.
The drivers abandoned the buses on Monday without any explanation, said Piotrans general manager Dumisani Mntambo.
"There has been no communication from the drivers or their union," he said.
"The company will start following the processes regarding company policies but there is no operation of the buses until further notice."
Spokesman for Rea Vaya, Benny Makgoga said he hoped the issues between Piotrans and the drivers would be resolved soon.
"We are hoping that there'll be some agreement reached but there are no guarantees," he said.
Commuters were urged to use alternative transport in the interim.
Daily Sun
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