EXTENSIVE roadworks and upgrades in the Gauteng area are proving to be a challenge for touring and transport operators, as traffic congestion, unfamiliar barriers, detours, traffic light outages and confusion at many intersections cause delays.    
“We are currently facing a number of challenges as a result of this and have had to adapt our schedules in order to ensure that our service levels are not affected,” says Thompsons Touring and Safaris GM, Angela Shackleford. “When it comes to airport transfers we previously allocated 45 minutes between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, but now we are having to allocate at least an hour, which in effect, is a time loss of 25%.

Shackleford goes on to say: “Our service delivery is governed by time, especially when a flight is involved, and since we are also restricted to a speed limit of 100km per hour, we are unable to make up for lost time when there have been traffic delays. Fortunately our drivers have excellent driving skills and with their extensive knowledge of the region, they are generally able to find alternative routes if necessary.”

Thompsons also has a 24-hour emergency system in place so that if there is a delay in a pick-up, the drivers can make the necessary call to arrange for the affected passengers to be notified. 

“Of course we understand that these upgrades are necessary to improve our infrastructure and we are delighted that in the long term road conditions will be improved as will the entire image of Gauteng.  As a result we are daily becoming more logistically creative in order to guarantee service levels,” Shackleford concludes.