Municipal bus drivers in Ekurhuleni are no longer accepting cash
Ekurhuleni municipal bus riders will no longer be able to use cash nor the Wayfarer ticketing system for their trips.
The City of Ekurhuleni (COE) is moving towards becoming fully digital by introducing a Quick Response (QR) code system for municipal bus fare payments.
Municipal bus drivers in the COE will not accept cash or new Wayfarer tickets, as the city migrates to the new QR code system to pay for bus fares.
This transition kicked in on 1 June, the COE confirmed.
Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the City, assured the public that a grace period of one month will be given to commuters who have already loaded funds onto their Wayfarer cards for June.
“The digital system is aimed at improving the commuting experience, streamlining the ticketing process, as well as enhancing commuter convenience by speeding up the boarding process while promoting a safe cashless environment.”
“Such commuters will have until the end of the month to utilise these [Wayfarer cards],” he said.
The City is encouraging commuters to plan their travels accordingly so that all trips are used up before the Wayfarer system is phased out.
QR code tickets are already on sale at all municipal bus depots, Dlamini added.
GOLDEN ARROW’S ELECTRIC BUSES WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY MORE PASSENGERS
Meanwhile, Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) in Cape Town have been testing a new electric bus, and the feedback from drivers and passengers has been positive.
GABS has reported smooth operations during this trial phase of the Lion’s Explorer E electric bus, as well as some notable perks of the “green” vehicles, The South African wrote in April.
As it stands, approximately 31% of GABS’ total costs are attributed to fuel.
The new buses are being provided by MAN Truck & Bus South Africa – who say the electric Explorer E can travel between 300 km and 350 km on a single charge.
The vehicle boasts a battery lifespan of up to 14 years, with 70% efficiency remaining at this point. The 66-seater Explorer E can also carry one extra passenger, compared to the equivalent diesel-powered Lion’s Explorer.
A final decision on whether GABS will introduce a fleet of these electric buses is expected later this year.
MYCITI TO OPEN NEW ROUTES, INTRODUCE ELECTRIC VEHICLES
In related news, the City of Cape Town plans to have electric buses (e-buses) on its MyCiti service by 2027. This is according to Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility,
These buses will be integrated into MyCiTi Phase 2A. The new phase will see an extension of the service to connect Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Wynberg, and Claremont.