Commuters affected by the relocation of public transport operations from the Manzini Main Bus Rank will be transported free of charge between the Nazarene and Central traffic lights and the newly established temporary bus ranks,
as authorities implement measures to ensure a smooth transition.
The initiative, announced by Royal Eswatini Police Service Traffic Officer in Charge for Manzini,
Vusi Mngomutulu, follows the relocation of public transport operators to the Old Trade Fair Bus Rank, the Satellite Bus Rank and Riverstone Mall to pave the way for the construction of a modern Main Bus Rank.
Mngomutulu said the free shuttle service was introduced after authorities prohibited passengers from boarding public transport at the Nazarene and Central traffic lights, where many commuters had previously accessed transport.
He said the arrangement would allow commuters to travel conveniently between the designated boarding points and the temporary bus rank facilities without incurring additional transport costs.
“The objective is to ensure that commuters are not disadvantaged by the new arrangements while maintaining order and improving traffic flow within the city,” he said. 
Mngomutulu added that the National Road Transportation Council, public transport associations,
the Manzini Municipal Council and other stakeholders had all been consulted before the new traffic arrangements were implemented.
He urged members of the public to comply with the designated boarding and drop-off points and cooperate with traffic officers stationed throughout the city to guide commuters during the transition.
Meanwhile, Rank Manager Musa Dlamini described the first day of operations at the temporary facilities as encouraging,
saying both commuters and operators were gradually adapting to the new transport system.
He said public transport routes had been successfully allocated between the temporary facilities, with operators serving western routes operating from the Old Trade Fair Bus Rank,
eastern routes using the Satellite Bus Rank and cross-border operators relocating to Riverstone Mall.
Dlamini said officials remained on the ground assisting commuters and directing operators to ensure services continued with minimal disruption.
Although some passengers initially required guidance to locate the correct boarding points, he said the transition had progressed smoothly due to extensive planning and coordination among all stakeholders.
Authorities have appealed to commuters to use only the designated boarding areas and to follow directions provided by traffic police officers and transport officials as the city continues adjusting to the temporary arrangements.
The relocation is expected to remain in place for the duration of the six to eight-month construction period,
after which commuters and operators will move into a redeveloped Main Bus Rank featuring expanded terminal capacity, improved road infrastructure and enhanced commuter facilities.
