In celebration of October as Transport month, Interstate Bus Lines, the biggest bus commuter service in the Free State, focused its activities on safety awareness to the community of Mangaung. Having been in operation for over 45 years as a commuter service in the area, IBL identified general conduct from its passengers and community that over the years have become the “normal commuter life” in a bus. Instead of adopting the traditional communication channels such as workshops, interviews, IBL took a more creative, fun and interactive approach to educate the community on basic road safety rules.
The company teamed up with well-known local radio presenters, actors and radio drama script writers and came up with a theatrical play set out in a bus. The play focused on passenger behaviour, in particular, that of young school children. The Company does not only provide public transport but it also transports a growing number of school children through commercial contracts with different schools, hence the focus on that group. Eight schools were identified throughout the company’s operational area. Three actors took to the stage acting out various scenarios that, if not addressed, could endanger other passengers. These ranged from children playing loud music through earphones, walking and crossing roads while playing music, children hanging out of bus windows and other “innocent” scenarios. The theatrical play setting consisted of an old lady, an uncle and a naughty teenager. The play was well received at all schools as the content forms part of the school’s curriculum.
