Traffic is expected to come to a standstill today as thousands of workers from the bus industry across the country down tools over deadlocked wage negotiations.
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the strike will affect up to 300 000 bus commuters.
National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa’s provincial co-ordinator Likhona Cita: “No MyCiti, no Golden Arrow, no Translux will move. This is the last thing that we wanted. We cannot say when the strike will end.”
Cosatu condemned the bus companies and say it will be joining the strike.
The employers offered a wage increase of 7.5% as well as improvements to overtime provisions and travel and subsistence allowances.
The workers are demanding a 30% wage increase, according to the South African Bus Employers Association and the Commuter Bus Employers Organisation.
The City said it would engage with Metrorail and the South Africa National Taxi Council to assist in providing additional resources.
Transport and urban development mayoral committee member Brett Herron expects a “significant increase” in road traffic.
Cape Chamber of Commerce president Janine Myburgh said it "was difficult to predict the effects on the economy as this depended on how long the strike lasted".
Meanwhile, Metrorail will extend its operating hours and schedule adjustments may be made. Valid Golden Arrow clip-card tickets will be accepted on trains.