Gautrain commuters drop as strikes bite

Johannesburg - There has been a drop in the number of commuters using the Gautrain because of an illegal strike by Gautrain bus drivers, the Bombela Concession company said on Monday.

Spokesperson Errol Braithwaite reported a 10% decline, and said it was not clear when the Gautrain bus service would resume.

Between 30 000 and 34 000 people use the Gautrain every week.

Gautrain bus drivers went on an illegal strike on Wednesday and were given until Friday to make representations on why they should not be dismissed.

Braithwaite said management had not found grounds to halt disciplinary procedures as this was the fourth illegal strike by the drivers in six months.

"As a consequence, the process to dismiss those drivers involved in the illegal strike has now begun," he said.

At least 300 workers were affected.

The strike also defied a court interdict which compelled drivers to return to work.

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng said the company's decision to dismiss the striking workers should be adopted by the city.

"The commuter, as the client, is the most important link in the success and sustainability of any transport entity," said the DA Gauteng's transport spokesperson Nico de Jager.

All Gautrain bus services have been suspended, but the company said it was making plans to run a skeleton bus service on key routes.