Durban buses may resume service by 3 October

Remant Alton -- the private company that owns and operates Durban's bus system -- announced on 1 October 2008 that the city buses may resume service by 3 October. The company had fired more than 800 bus drivers in late September after the drivers embarked on an illegal strike, complaining of financial mismanagement by Remant Alton and demanding that the municipality take over bus operations. Earlier estimates stated that Durban's buses would be out of service for at least two months while the company hired new drivers. The reports did not make it clear if Remant Alton and its former employees were still in negotiations or if talks had broken down. Meanwhile, Durban's trains and taxis have increased their services to compensate for the lack of buses. Durban's Chamber of Commerce appealed to transportation services after the bus drivers went on strike in order to ensure commuters are able to get to work. Without adequate transportation, the Chamber of Commerce commented, Durban's economy could suffer significant losses.