Putco buses hit the streets again – Is the subsidy problem solved?

Putco buses are back on the roads again following the company’s suspension of services on Thursday, resulting from the government’s failure to pay the company’s subsidy. According to Putco, this made it impossible for the company to purchase diesel. However, the bus company has stated that it is working on a new contract with the Gauteng government to increase its subsidy and, therefore, the company’s funding program. Putco noted that it spends about R47 million monthly on fuel and has to keep ticket prices low to cater to commuters, who already spend a large portion of their monthly earnings on transport.

Eyewitness News reports that on Friday, after the resolution of negotiations between the Gauteng Department of Transport and Putco, the company could purchase more diesel, and operations resumed smoothly. Lindokuhle Xulu, the company’s spokesperson, stated that the service provider delivered diesel to various business units and depots on time. Putco has been working closely with the department to prevent such incidents from happening again. Meanwhile, commuters without transport on Thursday could return to work on Friday.

Also read:

Commuter chaos – thousands left stranded as Putco cancels bus services amid late subsidy payments

Picture: Facebook / MokhonoanaYoungsam