DURBAN COMMUTERS STRANDED AFTER BUS COMPANY STOPS OPERATIONS

Durban bus company Remant Alton ceased all operations in the city on 1 July 2009, stranding approximately 45,000 commuters. The lack of buses has significantly increased demand on taxis and trains; taxis in Durban's major townships have been especially burdened. The taxi industry is attempting to extend services later into the evening to service customers who were previously able to use buses until 2200 local time, but this is also straining the industry. The city has indicated that a new bus operator will be introduced on 10 July, but details of the process and operator have not yet been released. The Durban transport consultative committee has also threatened to stage protests and demonstrations to demand that the city bring back bus services.