Makhado bus operators have welcomed the introduction of new technology aimed at improving safety, monitoring and service delivery for both operators and commuters.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, in partnership with Calmex, introduced the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to bus operators during an event held at The Anza Lifestyle Centre outside Louis Trichardt on 11 June.
The event was attended by bus operators from across the Makhado area who provide transport services to and from Louis Trichardt. The six participating operators were Great North Transport, R Phadziri Bus Service, G Phadziri Bus Service, Mabidi Bus Service, Mabirimisa Bus Service and Do Light Transport.
As part of the new system, buses will be fitted with cameras and smart tracking devices. The technology will also include a commuter identification system capable of scanning passengers and recording travel information.
During a demonstration of the system, Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye participated in the testing phase of the Makhado Intelligent Transport System Project, also known as the Smart Way to Travel Bus technology. As part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of the project, Mathye joined commuters on a bus ride through the streets of Louis Trichardt to experience the technology first-hand and assess its effectiveness.
Mathye said the new technology would help reduce accidents involving buses and improve accountability within the public transport sector.
“Bus operators have been waiting for this technology for a long time. I am pleased to witness its introduction during my term as MEC,” she said.
She encouraged drivers to use the system responsibly, noting that operators and management teams would be able to monitor bus operations in real time.
Calmex representative Velaphi Mathebula explained that each bus would be equipped with three cameras to monitor the driver, passengers and activities inside the vehicle. The system would also monitor speeding, vehicle conditions and roadworthiness.
He said all participating bus companies would be connected to a central monitoring system, enabling operators to track buses, routes, schedules and designated pick-up points in real time.
“If a bus is involved in an accident, the system can be used to determine exactly what happened. The technology records information that can assist in investigations and improve safety,” he said.
The chairperson of Makhado Bus Services, Phumudzo Phadziri, also welcomed the introduction of the technology. He said the system would assist operators in monitoring the condition of their vehicles and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
“The technology will help us identify issues such as unroadworthy vehicles, damaged seats, leaking roofs and broken windows. It will improve the quality of service we provide to commuters,” he said.