MEMBERS of the taxi industry and Ekurhuleni's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system have gone back to the negotiation table again.
During a launch meeting held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Pamona, Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni on 29 January, they said the negotiations aim is to come to an agreement that will allow Harambe buses to expand within the phase 1A corridor.
The phase 1A corridor refers to the current service that is in operation, which runs in the north-south direction from Tembisa to Kempton Park and OR Tambo International Airport.
The main corridor runs from Tembisa to RTJ, Namane Drive, Andrew Marketer Drive, Zuurfontein Road and CR Swart Drive, Pretoria and Jones Road.
"The taxi industry must be better off when the BRT is rolled out. As we introduce buses and take away the minibus operators, we have to agree on the compensation to the taxi industry so that they are better off," said Rhudzani Madzhie, acting head for IRPTN/BRT project.
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He said the committee will also be responsible for operation licence withdrawal. There will be two categories of affected operators, those that are 100% affected meaning all their taxis will be taken out of the system, and those that are partially affected. This means in some part of the BRT footprint, they might compete with the BRT, their operating licences will need to be amended so that they don't compete with the BRT.
Ms Landela Mahlati, HOD for transport and fleet management, expressed the importance of noting that Phase 1A operations are being optimised continuously to accommodate new developments and growth in passenger trips.
"The goal is to expand the system through transforming and empowering the taxi industry," said Mahlati.
She stated that the planning of Phase 1B, Tembisa to Boksburg, and Phase 1C, from Tembisa to Vosloorus, is ongoing.
"We might have financial challenges here and there as a city, but we respond. If you can check potholes then and now there is a huge improvement in our road’s infrastructure," said Mngwevu.
He said these negotiations are a win-win solution for both the City of Ekurhuleni and the taxi industry.
