Add new comment

My reality is that the provision of public services such as affordable bus fares, is fast becoming history. This service which was provided by the government as a service to the public is now expected to fend for itself, therefore, bus fares have been raised. The integration of private sector buses into the public sphere is being touted, but, private owners want to earn a profit, therefore I expect that in the not too distant future, bus fare s will be raised again. The private operators have sensed their importance in providing a service to commuters owing to a depleted national bus fleet and will want to capitalise on it. As it is, the elderly 65 years and over and school children, travel free on public buses, however, the private buses demand a fare from them, even the smallest child. While the country is beginning to recognise the effects of Climate Change and the need for a Green Economy, it has to tread carefully with those those businesses are 'for profit' and who see only the dollar. It is my opinion that public ownership and financing of transport will give a say to those who are most impacted through their use of buses and mini buses. While for example, private owners would want to engage shorter routes and would have little problem with financing their vehicles, that is so owing to the huge profits such operations would bring them. However, where there is public financing and public say, a more all embracing and comprehensive approach to transport would have to be adopted and would benefit everyone using public transport.