Back on the bus
Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:00
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.