Golden Arrow Bus Services [GABS] review: Unannounced change to beacon valley route – merrydale avenue

Dear Golden Arrow Bus Services,

I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding a recent and unexplained change to the Beacon Valley bus route from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) to Mitchells Plain.

I have been using the Golden Arrow service from UWC every afternoon at approximately 15h50 via the Beacon Valley bus to Merrydale Avenue, Mitchells Plain, since 2022. For the past four years, I have relied on this service as part of my daily commute, and the bus has consistently followed its usual route along Merrydale Avenue.

However, since Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the bus has stopped following its usual route along Merrydale Avenue. To date, no explanation or communication regarding this change has been provided to passengers.

This sudden change is causing significant inconvenience to me and, I understand, potentially to other regular commuters who rely on this route to get home after work. As a long-standing passenger, I find it particularly concerning that a regular route appears to have been changed without any notification to passengers.

I would therefore appreciate a clear explanation of:

Why the 15h50 Beacon Valley service is no longer following its usual route along Merrydale Avenue;
Whether this is a temporary diversion or a permanent change to the route;
If it is a permanent change, why this decision was made and when passengers were notified;
Which alternative stop passengers travelling to Merrydale Avenue are now expected to use; and
When the usual route is expected to resume, if the change is temporary.

I would appreciate this matter being investigated and a formal response provided. Given that this has been affecting my daily commute since 15 September, I would also appreciate clarity on whether other passengers have reported the same issue.

I look forward to your response and to a resolution of this matter.

Kind regards,
Nastasha Crow