Private transport drivers provide free rides to students stranded by Ekurhuleni bus strike

Some private scholar transport drivers have taken it upon themselves to intervene and help stranded learners affected by the bus strike in the Ekurhuleni metro. 

The Benoni Educational Scholar Transport Organisation says many of its drivers are giving affected learners free rides to and from schools.

The drivers are assisting pupils in the Benoni, Daveyton, Etwatwa, and Springs areas. 

The Benoni Educational Scholar Transport Organisation says it was left no choice but to step in when learners were left stranded by striking bus drivers.

Chairperson of the private entity, John Chauke, says this has come at a high cost, because they cannot ask the learners who were using free transport services to pay them.

He says as a parent himself, he felt compelled to help because most of the townships' schools are located in high-risk areas.

"We found many children stranded yesterday, and they were told that the bus drivers said they don’t have diesel, and now the kids are struggling. My biggest concern is the primary school kids; it’s not safe to just leave them on their own."

He adds that the only issue they are having to deal with is possible overloading.