Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, today opened a new public transport licensing office valued at R11.5 million in Germiston.
The new administration office will receive and process applications for operating licenses from taxi and bus operators in Ekurhuleni.
Vadi said that the new building will serve as a “one-stop service centre aimed at bringing government services closer to communities and where people live”.
“This really is a business centre that has been opened to facilitate the administration of public transport in Ekurhuleni,” he added.
In terms of the National Land Transport Act, the provincial department is responsible for the regulation of public transport.
The refurbished building was previously a vehicle testing station that was not being used anymore. The provincial department took the decision to refurbish what was a dilapidated building so that it could serve the taxi and bus industry in the region.
Vadi pointed out that the department, together with the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality, is working jointly to improve public transport system.
“We are working closely to provide quality, safe, affordable and reliable transport services for our people. Projects such as this office and the bus rapid transit system called Harambee will change the face of public transport in Ekurhuleni,” he said.
The year-long project saw seven local contractors and 43 labourers from the area working on the project.
For more information, please contact the Department of Roads and Transport Head of Communications, Ms Octavia Mamabolo on 011 355 7544 / 082 316 8666 or Octavia.Mamabolo@gauteng.gov.za
