BUSINESS NEWS
Back on the bus
Posted Thu, 11 Jun 2009

Transport Minister Sibisiso Ndebele met taxi bosses over the controversial Bus Rapid Transit system at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Thursday.

Ndebele was expected to brief the media shortly.

In his State of the Nation address, President Jacob Zuma said the government would meet the industry to address its concerns over BRT in June.

This would "kick start a series of engagements" with those affected by the system.

"We are confident that unresolved issues will be dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties," Zuma said.

"This will include the important issue of how all stakeholders will benefit from the initiative."

BRT has been described as a high-quality, customer-orientated transport system which will deliver fast, comfortable, and low-cost urban mobility.

It involves the construction of "bus way corridors" on segregated lanes, with modernised technology.

Taxi operators have said they feel threatened by the new system.

The transport department has repeatedly assured taxi bosses there will be no job losses and that the taxi industry will be the nucleus of the BRT.

In March, taxi drivers went on strike, insisting that Zuma address their problems. They handed a memorandum to the ANC.