The Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) said it would like to appeal to every bus and coach operator in South Africa to become RTMS-certified.

The association said improved safety, operational efficiency and reduced road crashes were just some of the benefits recorded by those who had implemented the Road Transport Management System (RTMS).

“In 2016, South Africa had the 42^nd highest road mortality rate in the world, with 25.1 road deaths per 100 000 population, which suggests that we all need to take action in the interests of improving road safety,” said Eric Cornelius, Executive Manager at SABOA.

“Considering that almost 80% of our country’s population is dependent on public transport to get to school, work or to travel, it is in the interest of every member of the public that our bus and coach operators officially align themselves with the RTMS requirements.”

The RTMS initiative, which was introduced in 2006, is driven by the heavy vehicle industry itself. It encourages road transporters, consignors and consignees to implement a set of standards in broad compliance with the Road Traffic Regulations.

While RTMS focuses on reducing traffic violations, fostering skills development in the transport sector and promoting driver wellness, it also takes into account factors like vehicle maintenance, load optimisation and road damage.

“RTMS is a holistic standard that has to date shown significant benefits for companies that have adopted it, including a reduction in overloading and speeding incidents, up to 66% reduction in crashes and greater fuel-efficiency, according to the 2014 paper ‘Perceptions of the Road Transport Management System (RTMS): Promoting Voluntary Certification’,” added Cornelius.

He added that other benefits cited include improved driver wellness (and reduced turnover of drivers due to HIV), less absenteeism and higher employee motivation, fewer vehicle breakdowns and improved fleet utilisation.

“Of the companies interviewed by the researchers, 30% identified some safety benefits to RTMS, 15% identified significant benefits and 50% indicated crucial benefits (including cost-reduction benefits). Some 40% of these companies reported greater profitability (with 80% as yet uncertain),” he concluded.

There are currently about 36 000 RTMS-certified vehicles and trailers on the roads.