News and events

Govt to meet taxi industry over BRT

Nthambeleni Gabara

3 June 2009

Transport Minister Sbusiso Ndebele is to resume talks with South Africa's taxi industry next Thursday on the implementation of the country's new Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT).

Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Cape Town on Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma said the meeting was intended to kick-start a series of engagements with the stakeholders affected by the BRT system.

"We are confident that unresolved issues will be dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties." This would include the important issue of how all stakeholders will benefit from the initiative, Zuma said.

Integrated transport network

The BRT system is a key component of the Department of Transport's integrated transport network plan, which the government is implementing in 2010 Fifa World Cup host cities. It is hoped that the system will promote the use of public transport ahead of the soccer spectacle.

The bus system will also have routes leading to the training stadiums and stadiums hosting World Cup matches.

When the BRT starts operating, commuters will have access to world-class public transport at very competitive prices. The system will feature dedicated and segregated bus-only lanes, as well as bus stations that are safe, comfortable, weather-protected and friendly to disabled passengers.

It will run for 18 hours a day from 5am to 11pm, and the plan is to eventually extend this to 24 hours a day. There will be bus stations every 500 metres, with security officers and CCTV cameras linked to a BRT control room.

Earlier this year, taxi operators in Johannesburg led a protest against the system, saying it was going to put them out of work. Similar protests have taken place in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

Source: BuaNews



	The BRT system will feature dedicated and segregated bus-only lanes, as well as bus stations that are safe, comfortable, weather protected and equipped to deal with disabled passengers (Photo: Rea Vaya)