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Date: 10 Jan 2025 Ticket Price: P492.00 / R664.00 Trip Time: 8 Hours ( 12:05 PM – 20:00 PM) Crew : Mr Peter , Ms Boitshwarelo & Mary J. Rate: 9/10 Bus Model: Neobus Newroad 380 (Reg ICG 050)
Embarking on an Intercape Mainliner bus journey from Johannesburg to Gaborone was seamless from the moment the bus arrived into Johannesburg Park Station at precisely 11:30 AM. The journey began with two passengers from O.R. Tambo International Airport already aboard. Despite a brief 5 mins delay caused by a late passenger at check-in, the team handled the situation gracefully and we departed at 1205hrs.
STOPS & PICK-UP POINTS
The next stops were Midrand @ 1230hrs and Pretoria Bosman Station @ 1300hrs. And during the stops i saw fast and organized boarding. By 1330hrs, we were fully loaded and en route to Botswana with the crew consisting of two hostesses and a driver. We had 1 Refreshment stop at Rusternburg BP Garage.
Although Intercape does not offer Wi-Fi, the journey was still comfortable. The bus was equipped with a clean functional toilet conveniently located near the middle door, fully air conditioning, charging ports, reclining seats & litter bags for every seat to maintain coach cleanliness. The overhead service panels offered individual volume control, though i believe an announcement regarding this feature would have better helped passengers. My seat was 6D, undoubtedly the best spot for uninterrupted views thanks to its position near the middle door. But the true highlight of the trip the untinted windows! We were graced by the spectacular scenery and the journey reached its peak as we passed Madikwe Game Reserve. From the untinted windows, we got to sight elephants, impalas and zebras just to name a few.
Border Crossing
The South African border was swift, taking just 10 minutes. Botswana however was slower. A passenger’s denial of entry added a 30 mins delay as the crew efficiently handled the disembarkation of his belongings. Despite the delay, we were on our way again by 1940hrs, reaching Gaborone 🇧🇼 Shell filling station by 20:00hrs
Final Thoughts
This journey was more than just a bus ride it was an experience. The untinted windows, wildlife sightings and the consistent service made it unforgettable. Would I do it again? Absolutely😁
Airport buses are often seen as shuttles between airports and nearby cities, but many travellers start their journey much further away.
Transport operator Vy Buss, through its long-distance service Vy bus4you, offers stress-free, premium coach travel. For those in Värmland region of Sweden, the 350 km trip from Karlstad to Stockholm’s Arlanda airport is now more sustainable. Thanks to a Scania Irizar coach built on Scania’s newest liquefied gas platform, running on biogas, natural gas, or both, it can complete the 700 km round trip without refuelling.
Economic activities on Lake Malawi are expected to improve following the launch of a new vessel, MV Asidaya, on February 8, 2025, in Monkeybay, Mangochi.
The vessel will be ferrying people, agricultural produce, fish, and other goods from one destination to another.
Cecelia Mkondiwa Ngosi, a member of the MV Asidaya team, stated that the launch of MV Asidaya will spur economic development, as transportation remains a significant challenge in the country.
“With the arrival of MV Asidaya, we also expect a boost in the tourism industry, as people will be able to sail easily from one place to another,” Ngosi added.
Norah Mkawa, a businesswoman in Mangochi, welcomed MV Asidaya as an alternative to MV Ilala, which sails on Lake Malawi once a week.
She noted that most roads in Mangochi are in poor condition, making the vessel’s arrival timely.
“The coming of MV Asidaya will enable the efficient transportation of people and products,” Mkawa said.
Water transport on Lake Malawi remains crucial, despite receiving little attention from authorities. The launch of MV Asidaya is a significant step towards improving transportation and economic activities in the region.
Bus body-building firm Labh Singh Harnam Singh Limited has been placed under administration, stripping its directors of control over the company’s assets.
According to a notice, PVR Rao and Swaroop Rao Ponangipalli have been appointed joint administrators, effective February 4, 2025.
The notice comes as the firm grapples with a Sh1 billion (USD7.5m) loan KCB debt.
“The joint administrators will act as agents of the company without personal liability,” the notice stated.
Following their appointment, all company affairs and operations will be managed by the administrators, who now have authority over its assets and undertakings.
Creditors and other claimants have been urged to submit written claims with supporting documents to the administrators by March 15, 2025.
United bus of zambia 2020 (UBZ) has announced a new international route from Lusaka to Lilongwe, Malawi effective 07 feb 2025.
It will be a daily service departing at 04:00 in morning at inter city terminal in Lusaka. Expected arrival time in Lilongwe is 17:00 at Grand business park. Lilongwe will also share same departure time daily 04:00am.
UBZ Irizar i6S coach. (source: UBZ Facebook page)
Passengers should expect a ultimate comfortable journey with the irizar i6s from UBZ ever growing fleet. On board features include reclining seats, wash room, air conditioning, entertainment, usb charging ports.
Ticket prices from Lusaka to Lilongwe 900 Zambian kwacha. From Lilongwe to Lusaka its 90000 Malawian kwacha. The route will now have two operators i.e Kobs bus service and UBL both have departure and arrival stations. Customers expect improvement in service due to competition.
A recently established commuter bus operator, Royal Coach and Mail Limited has announced the sale of its fleet of buses and coaches through a tender process. The decision comes barely a month after the company announced a temporary suspension of operations for vehicle maintenance.
According to an Interest to Tender – IOT document seen by Capital FM Malawi and issued by the auctioneer agent, Trust Auctioneers and Estate Agents, the new owner will acquire all developed routes nationwide along with the existing coach operations and infrastructure.
Additionally, the highest bidder will be considered for a contract to handle mail and parcel transportation across the country as part of the company’s mail division.
Royal Coaches is closing the shop after 7 months of operations having launched its luxurious nationwide bus services on 28 February 2023 at Agma House in Blantyre.
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