Putco’s scaled-down operations to result in over 200 job cuts

Bus company Putco said on Thursday, 4 February that financial distress and scaled-down operations during the COVID-19 pandemic would result in more than 200 retrenchments.

The service – which operates in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo – has a fleet of 1 400 buses, transports more than 210 000 passengers daily and travels approximately 82 million kilometres per year.

Tough time in transport

Putco job cuts

About 214 employees will be facing retrenchments as a result of financial distress. Putco explained that additional costs for buying personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting busses after each trip added to the financial load.

As reported by Eyewitness News, the company had been seeking financial assistance from government since March 2020, with management meeting with official and the Southern African Bus Operators Association.

Sadly, they have been unsuccessful in their efforts. Putco spokesperson Pride Anozie explained that the service lost passenger, and now “need to align [their] expenditure with [the] reduced income

“It is not something we are happy with, but unfortunately, for the sustainability of the company, that is the process we have to undergo”.

Putco spokesperson Pride Anozie

Greyhound shuts doors

The follows just a day after Greyhound announced on that it would also be halting operations and closing its door after nearly four decades. The service will cease trading in February 2021.

“It has been our pleasure connecting you across Southern Africa for the past 37 years. Thank you to all our passengers for your continued support”.

It’s been a bitter pill for South Africa, who poured out their support for the service on social media. One Twitter user said they’ve used the service since 2012, adding that the “other buses are trash and have roaches”.

Another said, “this is truly sad, it was my bus of choice as a student travelling between [East London and Cape Town]”. A third added:

“That was the only bus I used to travel. I had so much customer loyalty to them and they returned that with phenomenal quality service. COVID-19 continues to rob us of great things”.

Greyhound said on social media that all passengers with tickets booked for after the closure date will be refunded. For assistance, contact the Greyhound call centre on 087 352 0352 or email refunds@greyhound.co.za. Read more here.