Two national long distance bus companies on Wednesday assured the Western Cape Community Safety Department passenger safety was a top priority.

MEC Lennit Max inspected Intercape and SA Roadlink depots on Wednesday ahead of the Easter weekend.

Max expressed enthusiasm at the numerous safety features at Intercape’s coaches.

He said monitoring drivers on long routes via satellite tracking 24 hours a day, was a bonus to ensuring passenger safety.

Max and provincial traffic authorities urged SA Roadlink to ensure its safety mechanisms were stepped up to prevent accidents.

SA Roadlink’s Lumka Oliphant told officials many changes were taking place and promised busses would be thoroughly checked after trips and drivers take breathalyser tests before getting behind the wheel.