• Johannesburg’s biggest bus service says that its services may face disruptions today.
• It says that Metrobus officials are dealing with “serious challenges” but gives no more explanations.
• Metrobus recently switched to being completely cashless as of 1st October 2024.

Johannesburg’s Metrobus service posted a mysterious message this morning on X warning commuters to expect service disruptions, especially around the Metrobus Milpark Depot. It said that these disruptions are due to “serious challenges” but explained no further.

Our attempts to contact the company for a further explanation have been in vain as the phone number listed on the official Johannesburg website leads to dropped calls. We have also reached out to Metrobus via email, with no answer as of time of writing.

According to the City of Johannesburg, Metrobus transports around 90 000 passengers every day across its fleet of over 500 buses. It is the primary bus service in the city.

On 7th October, the official X account for the bus firm indicated that “sporadic service disruptions” were taking place in the morning, with services expected to begin operating fully by the afternoon on that day. These service interruptions are taking place just days after Metrobus overhauling its payment system with cashless payments.

Metrobus launches cashless payments

Metrobus launched cashless payments on 2nd October 2024, with strict rules around having cash onboard a bus. The company goes as far to say that customers that bring any cash with them to the bus will not be allowed onboard.

Since 1st October, the buses are now only accepting bank card payments, Metrobus tags and cards that can be loaded with fair money digitally.

“The move to a cashless mobility system promises significant benefits for commuters and Metrobus alike, creating a safer and more secure travel experience for everyone,” Executive Manager of Corporate Strategy and Business Support Tshepho Nathan, explained the move away from cash.

It said the move was a “major step in its digital transformation programme aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving commuter experiences.”

While customers have maligned the move, the company has in fact lagged in going cashless. For example, the Tshwane bus service went cashless in 2017, as per The Citizen, with Rea Vaya and the Gautrain also phasing out cash for fair payments several years ago.

Perhaps it is the cashless system that is causing the service disruptions, but it could also be a number of issues, including strike action from drivers. Both technical issues and strike action have affected Gautrain’s services in recent months.