In February 2011 Transport Minister Sbusiso Ndebele and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane announced the suspension of the gazette on proposed e-toll tariffs for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP). Soon after a steering committee was announced, chaired by Transport Director-General Mr George Mahlalela and tasked with the responsibility to consult and engage with stakeholders and citizens.
The committee was constituted after a public outcry over the proposed tariffs and their effect on the economy and vehicle owners. The committee, sitting from 22 March until 7 April 2011, invited stakeholders and individuals to engage and participate through a public participation process.
According to the new proposed fees released on 30 June 2011 for Gauteng's freeways, it was revealed that fees could be between R0.05/km and R0.09/km less expensive for cars, minibuses and motorbikes with e-tags.
For medium vehicles, the fee was reduced from R1.49/km to R1 whilst for large vehicles from R2.97 to R2. The reduced costs for commuter buses would be reduced from R0.50/km to R0.36.
According to proposals, users of light motor vehicles will pay R0.40/km instead of the initial R0.49/km, minibus taxi drivers R0.11/km instead of R0.16 and bikers R0.24 instead of R0.30/km. These proposed numbers only apply to people using e-tags. The original tariff was set at R0.66/km for vehicles without an e-tag account.
An e-tag functions like prepaid cellphone airtime, is fitted on the windscreen and is scanned when passing through the toll gantries.
The revised charges will be submitted to Ministers of Transport and Finance as well as the Gauteng Premier for consideration.
The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project comprises different phases to upgrade and implement new freeways of an ultimate 560km freeway network. The first phase, comprising the upgrading of 185km of the most congested freeways is currently under construction.
Source: Gauteng Roads and Transport
