PUTCO Limited in Time Perspective
Commuter buses PUTCO has recently introduced new Euro Rider Iveco buses into its fleet – which prides our passengers. Euro Rider Iveco features: • The body incorporates ‘pop-in slide’ – when closed gives effect that bonded windows are one piece -first of its kind in South Africa. • The roof structure is a one-piece fibreglass • The passenger door has a single bonded glass panel per door with an ‘in-swing’. • Unique front and rear subassembly structure compares well with world class standards. Luxury buses PUTCO has ventured into the tourism market with the introduction of Five Star Luxury Coaches: • 48-seaters; • recliner seats; • onboard entertainment and public address system; • two TV monitors; • kitchenette; • bar fridge; • onboard assistance; • climatic controlled air conditioning and heating system; • driver resting area. PUTCO Corporate Social Investment Through the PUTCO CSI Foundation,
1945: Public Utility Transport Corporation founded by Jack Bird Barregar and listed on JSE with issued share capital of 810 000. 1949: PUTCO placed under Judicial Management. 1952: Capital of company restructured and company taken out of Judicial Management. 1953: PUTCO pioneers aptitude tests for applicant drivers. 1954: Introduction of advertising space on the sides of the buses. 1957: PUTCO’s increase of fares by one penny to meet commitments results in famous penny strike lasting three months. 1959: PUTCO expands into Durban. 1961: Leyland Motor Corporation acquires a controlling interest in the company. 1962: PUTCO acquires Edenvale Bus Service from the Carleo. 1968: Carleo sells remaining bus operations to PUTCO – includes Rand Bus Lines and Evaton Passenger Services. 1971: Carleo Enterprises acquires 51, 6% of PUTCO. 1972: PUTCO formally changes its name from Public Utility Transport Corporation to PUTCO Limited. 1973: Albino Carleo takes over driving seat as Managing Director of PUTCO. 1978: PUTCO acquires African Bus Service from United Transport in bitter corporate battle. 1982: The PUTCO Foundation formed to assist social upliftment of communities PUTCO serves. 1983: PUTCO’s fleet peaks at 3440 buses travelling 156 million km a year, carrying 353 million passengers a year. 1986: Mrs. Marina Maponya the first black person to be appointed as a Director of the company. 1991: Disastrous impact of the taxi industry and PUTCO’s fleet reduces to 2500 carrying 120 million passengers a year. 1994: Passengers drop to 82 million and fleet to 2 280. Profits increase significantly to R17, 6 million. 1997: PUTCO withdraws from Durban after suffering considerable losses in that region. 1998: PUTCO’s first joint venture operation with a black partner, Valuader (Pty) Limited (Vaal) – the first of a number of joint ventures. Lekoa Transport Trust established. 1999: Ipelegeng Transport Trust established. 2002: Nathi Khena becomes first black Managing Director of the company. Asibemunye Transport Trust established. 2002: PUTCO manufactures special access buses designed in consultation with organisations for people with disabilities. 2004: Mr. Albino Carleo and a number of the board retire after serving many years and new board structured with Franco Pisapia, a nephew of Albino Carleo, as Managing Director. 2005: After being listed on the JSE Securities Exchange for sixty years PUTCO delists to enable empowerment partnerships. 2006: Important milestone in history of transport industry as PUTCO completes a Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) scheme, empowering more than 3300 employees. 2010: PUTCO wins FOCUS on Excellence Award in the category of Best Bus Operator.
Best of South Africa
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