Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) officials joined commuters on Friday, 11 October 2024 for a ride on the municipal Hauweng bus line to share the experience of commuters on the bus.
The City, in celebration of transport month, once again amplified its commitment in improving its transport system, which is central to economic activity and development. Entering the public transport sector and competing with existing brands like Interstate bus line, Hauweng bus line is proving to be an instant hit gaining much support from the public during its pilot phase.
The MMC for Corporate Services Cllr Manthuse Letawana, who represented the Executive Mayor Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, led the tour from Hoffman Square to Brandwag in Bloemfontein, where she got an opportunity to interact with commuters and listen to their request and wishes.
Hauweng bus provide affordable transport for the public, and will also create more jobs especially for the youth as Mangaung Metro is intending to introduce e-ticketing, which will require young people with Information Technology (IT) skills.
“It was a good experience to ride with them, commuters appreciate the affordability of the bus and have expresses a desire for digital tickets,” said MMC Letawana.
According to Bongi Tsoleli, the MMC for Public Safety and Transport, Hauweng bus has three tickets options, these includes a R10 single trip, R20 return and a R100 option for multiple trips. The R100 option does not expire and can be used at any time.
“The bus assistant will punch a hole for each trip and you keep the ticket until the trips are used up,” said Tsoleli.
Tsoleli said the City will soon introduce digital tickets and commuters will be able to get them at retail outlets.
The introduction of Hauweng buses resolves financial challenges of many commuters who spend a huge chunk of their income on transport; this initiative by the municipality has been welcomed by many of the residents in the Metro.