In a significant development for public transport in Johannesburg, Piotrans, the operating company behind the Rea Vaya bus service, has launched 45 new buses. This major rollout is the culmination of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the company, marking a positive shift for Johannesburg’s transit landscape.

Nearly a year ago, Kenny Kunene, the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, introduced the first ten new buses as a part of a recovery plan for Piotrans. Today, this initiative has expanded significantly, with 45 newly branded buses set to join the city’s streets. These buses will be in operation starting Monday, strengthening the company’s fleet and helping Piotrans reclaim its former reputation.

Expansion of the Piotrans Fleet to Restore Service Reliability

This new fleet of 45 buses will primarily serve key Rea Vaya routes that were affected by Piotrans’ previous challenges. Routes like F1, connecting Naledi to Thokoza Park, and F2, from Protea Glen to Thokoza Park, will now have a fresh set of vehicles, along with other routes such as F3 (Jabavu to Lakeview station), F4 (Mofolo to Orlando Police station), and F5 (Eldorado Park to Lakeview station). These additional buses will bring much-needed stability to these services, ensuring commuters face fewer disruptions.

Kunene explained the difficulties the company faced, sharing his efforts to stabilize it. “When I first stepped in, Piotrans was facing bankruptcy, and shareholders asked me to intervene. I knew that saving the company was crucial for the 299 families relying on it for their livelihood,” Kunene stated. While the process was demanding, he expressed satisfaction with the results. “We discovered significant issues within the company, but by adding buses, creating stronger systems, and hiring credible professionals, we’ve been able to turn things around.”

Overcoming Financial Challenges with Business Rescue

Piotrans was placed under business rescue after creditors took legal action over unpaid debts, leading to the appointment of a Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). The company underwent substantial restructuring, and an independent interim board was appointed in 2023 to address ongoing issues. This board identified instances of fraud, mismanagement, and maladministration as core contributors to Piotrans’ struggles.

In January 2023, Piotrans’ contract with the City of Johannesburg expired, and it was renewed on a month-to-month basis under a two-year performance agreement. Weekly service interruptions and labor disputes became routine, leaving commuters stranded. However, the BRP, Mahier Tayob, has since led a focused recovery effort, resulting in increased operational stability and a reduction in breakdowns and acts of sabotage.

Path to Financial Stability and Future Growth

Tayob highlighted that the company is now nearly back to its prime and has been able to reopen some routes and consider new ones, contingent on city approval. “We’ve managed to secure jobs, ensure payments to creditors and insurers, and maintain our fleet. These new buses allow us to refurbish existing buses, bringing each reconditioned vehicle back into service,” he stated.

The company aims to settle its smaller debts by February 2025, after which it will address larger liabilities. Furthermore, Piotrans has renegotiated leases, converting them to lease-to-own agreements, securing properties worth R6 million that will eventually become company assets. Tayob expressed relief at the turnaround, saying, “It took months to gain council approval, but we now have the buses on the road.”

Steady Rehabilitation and Future Outlook

Despite the obstacles, Piotrans has achieved significant progress, with a reduced backlog in maintenance and a consistent fuel and spare parts supply. Tayob noted that breakdowns are now minimal and announced the upcoming release of an additional seven buses into service. The focus remains on continuing the recovery efforts, ensuring that Piotrans remains a reliable and robust part of Johannesburg’s transport network.

With the introduction of these 45 new buses, Piotrans is poised to deliver a stable, efficient, and dependable service, symbolizing a fresh start for both the company and the commuters who rely on it daily.