The department of transport was on Friday ordered to pay over R92-million in outstanding subsidies to Western Cape bus operator Golden Arrow Bus Services.

Company spokesperson Vuyisile Mdoda said the Cape High Court made the ruling following an urgent application by the operator last week.

"We are pleased with the outcome. This is what we expected and we just hope that this time around the state will abide by the court order," said Mdoda.

Golden Arrow employs about 2800 workers and provides transport to around 260 000 commuters per working day.

The outstanding subsidies the government has been ordered to pay are for November 2008 through to mid-January of this year.

The SABC reported that in handing down judgment, Acting Cape High Court Judge Ashley Binns-Ward dismissed the Treasury's argument that it could not access the money without Parliament's approval.

Counsel for the company Clive Henry said they expect the money by Monday, the broadcaster reported.

Sapa