Tens of thousands of commuters in South Africa are being left stranded and frustrated due to open tickets on the country’s public transport system. A significant backlog of unpaid fares has resulted in buses being taken off the road, leaving many passengers without a way to get to work or school. The issue is most pronounced in the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, where commuters rely heavily on the bus network.
According to recent statistics, the Gauteng provincial government has reported that over 200 buses have been withdrawn from service due to the open ticket situation. The City of Cape Town has also confirmed that a large number of buses have been grounded, causing long queues and delays for passengers. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many commuters are unable to afford the fares, which has led to a growing backlog of unpaid tickets.
Transport officials are working to resolve the issue, but the situation is likely to worsen in the coming days. In the meantime, commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative modes of transport. The South African government has promised to take action to address the crisis, but many commuters are feeling the pinch.