Gautrain has come under fire following allegations that its recent bus service suspension was due to unroadworthy vehicles with expired licence discs. Insiders claim that the fleet, which transports thousands of commuters daily, has been operating illegally for years, putting both passengers and employees at risk.
According to Gautrain bus drivers who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity, the company failed to renew its licence discs since 2022 but continued operating regardless. They allege that management was well aware of the issue but ignored it, prioritising profits over safety.
“This suspension should have happened in 2022 when the discs expired, but they kept pushing drivers to work. Everyone in management knew, but nothing was done,” said one source.
Drivers Forced to Operate Illegally
Insiders also revealed that some buses never had valid operating permits. This placed immense pressure on drivers, as operating an unlicensed vehicle meant that in the event of an accident, insurance policies would be void, leaving victims without compensation.
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“Workers raised safety concerns multiple times, but nothing changed. If there had been a fatal accident, the insurance wouldn’t have covered it because the buses were not legally allowed on the road,” another source claimed.
Gautrain Buses Disappear From the Roads
Since the suspension two days ago, Gautrain buses have been absent from Johannesburg’s streets. When reporters visited the Sandton station, commuters were seen relying on e-hailing services to reach their destinations, confirming that the fleet remains grounded.
Gautrain has yet to issue a formal statement addressing these allegations.
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