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Walter Sisulu University (WSU) recently boosted its transportation fleet by acquiring seven new sprinter buses.
These additions aim to address the needs of students and staff commuting within the four university campuses.
The announcement came from WSU's Chief Operating Officer, Sinethemba Mpambane, who emphasised the crucial role these buses would play in alleviating transportation hurdles.
The sprinter buses are poised to offer shuttle services, catering particularly to the needs of the Mthatha campus, where students frequently commute between three distinct sites.
Mpambane underscored the perpetual demand for efficient transportation services within the university community.
He noted that the Rationalisation & Consolidation(R&C) project paved the way for enhancing the transport network, with the new buses facilitating seamless intercampus travel.
“The primary objective behind the procurement of these buses is to streamline the movement of students and staff within the interval campuses transportation, effectively addressing the logistical requirements associated with traversing vast university grounds,” he said.
He said each campus will be assigned their own buses, managed by the university's transportation department.
“These buses will be distributed strategically to tackle transport-related needs and ensure swift connectivity within and between campuses,” he said.
"In the Mthatha campus, where we have three sites, students need to travel between Zamukulungisa, NMD, and Season Street for the medical school," explained Mpambane.
“In Komani campus, it’s the same, we have two sites, Grey street campus and Masibulele site, there is travel in between the two by the staff and students, therefore transportation is also vital there,” he further explained.
He further added that, a bus will be allocated to the sports department to facilitate athletic travel across campuses.
Acknowledging the persistent demand for transportation services, Mpambane highlighted the university's commitment to continuously improving its transport and logistics infrastructure.
He also noted the ongoing efforts to upgrade vehicle standards and optimize transport operations.
"Since 2021, we've witnessed a significant improvement in the quality of our institution, reflecting our commitment to renewal. However, there's still more to be done," Mpambane remarked.
With the introduction of these sprinter buses, Walter Sisulu University aims to enhance accessibility and ensure a seamless commuting experience for its students and staff across all campuses.
By Yolanda Palezweni
