MyCiTi commuters urged to make alternative arrangements

Cape Town - 181015 - Bus drivers and other staff employed by the MyCiti bus vehicle operating companies have embarked on a illegal strike at the Civic Center. Photograph: Armand Hough / African News Agency (ANA)
Commuters, who normally use the MyCiTi Bus Service, have been advised to use alternative transport this afternoon as the wildcat strike continues.

The bus service has been disrupted due to an illegal strike by some bus drivers who are employed by the Vehicle Operating Companies (VOCs) operating the MyCiTi bus routes.

The City of Cape Town says few routes are operating at present and it is not yet clear when drivers will return to work.

Neither the VOCs, nor the City, were informed of the imminent strike and the reasons for the illegal stay-away.

Hertzog Boulevard was closed to incoming traffic this morning after the striking drivers gathered on the red bus lane outside the Civic Centre station in the central business district, intimidating those bus drivers who were still fulfilling their duties. 

Vehicular traffic and MyCiTi buses operating on the N2 Express routes from Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha have been diverted along other routes.

Mayoral committee member for transport and urban development, Brett Herron, said; “I am concerned about the illegal strike and the impact it has on commuters who are already taking strain due to the ailing rail service. I was also alerted to incidents where some strikers intimidated their colleagues who are not participating in their illegal strike. This is unacceptable. I urge the VOCs and their employees to meet as soon as possible. These engagements must be facilitated through the appropriate channels so that the impasse can be resolved. We need the MyCiTi service to resume operations as soon as possible, and without any disruptions.”

Commuters can contact the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 for the latest information regarding the service, or follow @MyCiTibus on Twitter, or visit the Facebook page ‘MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transit System’.

This is the second strike by MyCiTi bus drivers this year.

In April, unions embarked on a month-long nationwide bus strike over wages.