The Department of Transport has appointed a service provider to administer the procurement, operation and management of spectator transport for the 2010 FIFA World Cup event. The service provider, called the operating management entity (OME) will ensure the provision of inter provincial and regional transport services during the period by providing integrated services for both commuter busses and midi-bus taxis.
Speaking from Pretoria Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele said he was confident that the OME would provide a professional service for spectators during the World Cup:
"The successful contractor, ESC and the African Experience
Consortium consists of members who currently operate in the tourism industry and therefore have established operating infrastructure and facilities. The taxi industry is to provide a fleet of over 400 mid-busses to ferry spectators around the country while 110 commuter buses from Autopax will complement these services," said Ndebele.
Fleet usage will be dependent on demand that is generated for the service and ticket sales. Inland and coastal services will be on offer. The fleet of taxis and buses will be additional to existing transport services in the country.
"There will be a service between Pretoria, OR Tambo International Airport and Johannesburg hubs and Rustenburg, Polokwane, Mbombela and Bloemfontein. On the coast there will be a service from Knysna to Cape Town, via Wilderness, George and Mossel Bay, and back. There will be a service from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, via George and Wilderness and back.
From East London spectators will be able to travel to Port Elizabeth, via King William's Town and Grahamstown and back. Further up the coast services will run between Richards Bay and Durban, Wild Coast Sun and Durban and between Pietermaritzburg and Durban," added Ndebele.
Prices will range from R140 to R300 for a one way trip.
The operational plan and final contract have been finalised for coaches and taxis. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) is working closely with the OME to provide a countrywide midi-bus solution for spectators.
Operational staff will be clearly identifiable through coded arm bands and other branded clothing. "It is not just about sport, it is now truly about Transport," concluded Ndebele.
Enquiries:
Thami Ngidi
Cell: 082 888 0852
Issued by: Department of Transport
20 May 2010
Source: Sapa
