South African Transport System

Putco buses

CONTEXT: This series of articles are a means to take a holistic view of our current transport system by assessing our various methods of transport. In South Africa, there are numerous modes — but they aren’t all supported as one united platform. You can read some of the background to gain context as to why I am writing this over here. Some modes work efficiently in some areas, and in other areas they bring more harm than help. In the previous articles the pros and cons of Metro Buses, Minibus Taxis Metered Taxis Uber & Taxify has been discussed.

Putco bus catches fire | Rekord East

The few times I used this mode, I found them to be more expensive than the metro buses. Why, I don’t know, as they don’t seem more efficient. The only times in my life I’ve seen 2 burning buses…(they spontaneously combust in Braamfontein — somewhere around 2004/2005), they happened to be Putco buses. The above incident reference which took place in 2016, I didn’t witness however.

Putco buses always look older, and are more claustrophobic. Seats are too cramped leaving no personal space, and the area to walk between seats are made for anorexics, and not normal people with back packs. These buses I’ve never used long enough to gather enough data over the years. But they do seem to cover longer distances compared to the metro buses. As to their safety and reliability I cannot be 100% sure. But based on what I saw, I won’t get on one by choice.

I have honestly never seen this bus with the ramp for wheelchairs, perhaps it exists, but it’s probably from years gone by. This bus design looks like it’s from 1999. It makes sense to have more than one entrance though. More buses should cater for everyone.

Image from left: Current buses, possibly rolled out 2006, 2011, 2016. source | Image on the right is a more accurate view of the buses from the last decade (±1993 to date: you can still find some of the older buses in operation) Image source

Most buses don’t cater for wheelchairs & prams. The 4–5 stairs to get onto the bus are so steep, it’s even tough for a short person like me, as well as for most of the elderly to enter the bus. Biggest frustration is for wheelchairs & prams, due to the cramped seating.

This is the reality I know to be true, on both Putco & Metro buses. With majority standing, rain coming in. The winters are the worst if windows are faulty and cannot close properly — in general, men who give up seats for the elderly or for women is rare.

But who knows, perhaps things have improved by now?!

Bus strike leaves stranded commuters worrying about getting to work on time

Payment method: bus tag or cash accepted

Sources: Bus commuters (+personal experiences)

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