Commuters boarding a GNT bus at Tzaneen rank
For many decades, Great North Transport (GNT) has been the preferred transport service provider, supporting economic growth and development to scores of commuters.
True to its vision, GNT has been rendering premium road transport to the general public, with an aim to increase economic activity in Limpopo Province.
Commuters of GNT are now breathing a sigh of relief after the Limpopo provincial government embarked on a turnaround strategy involving R270 million to recapitalise the company.
The giant bus company aims to create a public transport network locally to enhance economic development and operating a series of buses for public good.
The company was established in 1996, when a merger occurred between the then Lebowa and Gazankulu governments’ bus services.
The passenger transport company currently provides public transport services to commuters in the Limpopo province, as well as certain sections of Bohlabelo in the Mpumalanga province.
The company’s goal is to provide the South African public with safe, reliable, comfortable and convenient public transport passenger service.
GNT is a fully owned subsidiary of Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise (LEDA), with over 1000 staff members across the companies, depots in several district municipalities faring millions of passengers over 279 routes each year.
To enhance its service delivery to commuters, government has been handing over fleets of buses so that passengers will have access to their workplaces, educational institution, healthcare facilities and other destinations.
Premier Stanley Mathabatha confirmed that more new buses are expected to be handed over to the company in future.
Mathabatha said that without these buses, a lot of people will be unable to report for work and boost sectors of the economy.
He said “Great North Transport is therefore a great player in the economy. They are a people’s company, 100% owned by government, who places the social economic interest of clients above profit. We as government are committed to work with Great North Transport to resolve some of the company’s issues such as their liquidity problems.”
The Premier further said he believe “effective, sufficient and reliable public transport is a necessary precondition for economic development”.
Great North Transport company bus.