Question NW1758 to the Minister of Transport
06 June 2022 - NW1758
Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) With reference to the reply to question 3520 of 23 November 2017, on what date did the (a) bus rapid transport kerbside and (b) trunk route become fully operational; (2) whether negotiations with taxi associations been completed; if not, (a) what are the obstacles preventing the finalisation of the negotiations and (b) on what basis is the special purpose vehicle KTVR for Katlehong, Tembisa, Vosloorus and Reiger Park operating and being funded by the City of Ekhuruleni if negotiations with the taxi industry have not been finalised; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether all the pedestrian bridges were (a) completed and (b) opened; if not, (i) why not and (ii) what are the revised completion date(s); if so, on what dates?
Reply:
1. (a) The Kerbside operations of the City of Ekurhuleni’s Bus Transport commenced in October 2017/18 with an introductory service with 8 buses operating between Thembisa and Isando Industrial area. In 2019/20 with the introduction of 10 additional buses (total of 18 buses) the system network was extended to OR Tambo International Airport. In 2021/22 additional 22 buses were introduced (total of 40 buses) the system was further extended to Bartlett Industrial area.
(b) The partial operations of the dedicated bus lanes commenced in 2019 when the system was extended to OR Tambo International Airport.
2. (a) Negotiations with the taxi industry for permanent compensation for Phase 1A have not been completed due to disunity within the taxi industry, and the City is actively assisting in resolving.
(b) KTVR is the current Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) operating Harambee Bus service on behalf of the City and is solely funded for such operations. Finalisation of negotiations with the taxi industry shall result in the payment of permanent compensation.
3. (a) (b) Construction of the six pedestrian bridges along the dedicated bus lanes along Andrew Mapheto Drive and Zuurfontein Road were completed in 2019 and are currently open to the public.