Stamping out corruption
Attempts by public transport operator Algoa Bus Company to reduce instances of theft and corruption along its routes in the Port Elizabeth area are paying dividends.
According to engineering director Andre Brink, the installation of on-board cameras to focus on driver behaviour, together with regular on-road inspections by independent ticket examiners, have resulted in a significant drop in pilferage-related activity, while simultaneously improving passenger safety.
βWe are very satisfied with the security measures we have implemented,β Brink says. βThe introduction of on-board cameras five years ago changed the way we do business.β
In October last year, the Algoa Bus Company switched service providers and engaged Pretoria-based specialist TickTech to carry out physical spot checks for ticket validity along with digital inspections by means of data recorded by its camera monitoring system. In doing so, TickTech also monitors driver and passenger behaviour, as well as traffic density and adherence to shift timetables.
βThe professionalism of TickTechβs representatives and its standard of service have been exemplary,β Brink says. βThe quality of inspections, camera monitoring and procedures have proved their worth, resulting in many more instances of pilferage and dishonesty being uncovered than was the case with our previous service provider.β
Louise du Plessis, MD of TickTech, who helped to found the company 15 years ago, says unlawful practices in the public-transport sector cost bus operators significant amounts of revenue.
βDrivers sometimes take money for fares but donβt issue tickets, or perhaps they issue tickets for cheaper routes and pocket the difference. Ticket examiners employed by operators are often in cahoots with drivers. Bribery and corruption is rife and new criminal trends are emerging all the time.
βTickTech prides itself on being at the forefront of reducing risk. We are intent on stamping out dishonest or corrupt behaviour. Weβve helped numerous bus companies over the years, with at least one seeing its ticket income go up by 300 percent as a result of our efforts. However, itβs not only on the revenue side that we offer solutions β weβve added value in the operational arena, too.β
Brink confirms that in the Algoa Bus Companyβs case, route-schedule problems had been brought to his attention and corrected thanks to TickTechβs input, while, in other instances, new routes had been identified. βGood coordination between ground and viewing crews also enabled us to close loopholes in our operations which could have been exploited by criminal elements,β he says.
According to Du Plessis, TickTech provides qualitative business solutions to the passenger-transport industry and entities that sell or use tickets with a monetary value. βThe companyβs main focus is protection of our clientsβ revenue. Our in-depth knowledge, years of experience and commitment to our clients contributes to achieving this goal,β she says.
Amongst others, services include fixed-point inspections; roving team inspections; undercover inspections; digital (camera monitoring) inspections and route and service monitoring. βOur inspectors are well trained and have good communication skills,β Du Plessis says. βWe rotate them regularly between clients to prevent relationship building β a common problem among inspectors who work indefinitely for one operator.β
The company also provides statistical analyses of its inspections regarding pilferage and irregular trip related occurrences. It can also provide expert advice on disciplinary and arbitration procedures.
Brink says TickTechβs engagement by the Algoa Bus Company has opened a new dimension of control. βThe value of the on-board camera systems monitored by TickTech cannot be quantified. This service enables the operator to take action and address pilferage and general driver behaviour, while enhancing passenger safety and providing a wealth of other useful information.β