Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed the decision of the High Court in Pretoria which ruled yesterday, 28 August 2009 against an urgent application by the taxi industry to prevent the launch of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
“We welcome the decision of the High Court which ruled against an urgent application by the taxi industry to prevent the launch of the BRT system. We also want to commend the taxi industry for going the route of addressing their concerns regarding this matter through negotiations and the courts. The court decision means that we, as government, are now able to move a step closer towards providing safe, efficient and affordable public transport to the citizens of South Africa.
“We want to re-affirm our commitment to implement the BRT system in partnership with all stakeholders, particularly the taxi industry. To this end, through the National Joint Working Group (NJWG) on public transport, we will continue to engage with the taxi industry towards the development of a memorandum of agreement as well as a national empowerment framework for the industry.
“Everything we do in public transport must ultimately benefit the commuter. BRT is an urban road-based public transport system for the 21st century. It aims to provide better public transport and benefits for everyone. It will ensure full accessibility for users with special needs and wheelchairs. Existing bus and taxi operators will feed into the public transport system and contract with the relevant municipality on a long-term basis,” the Minister said.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
29 August 2009
