City engages Public Transport Industries on Revised GO!Durban Implementation Strategy
The eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) met with the Mini-Bus Taxi and Bus Industries on September 2 to discuss the GO!Durban Revised Implementation Strategy. The strategy aims to accelerate the start of services on the GO!Durban phase one routes. The session, themed "Preliminary Engagement to Contract Negotiations with Public Transport Industries," unpacked the implementation of the revised strategy, including the role of the industries.
All five Mini-Bus Taxi Regional Chairpersons and three Bus Industry Chairpersons attended the meeting. The GO!Durban Revised Strategy involves fast-tracking services on routes C1, C2, C3, C9, and the Inner-City Distribution System using complete and incomplete infrastructure to operate various services with vehicle-operating companies.
Acting Executive Director, Technical Services, Ednick Msweli, opened the session and delivered a message of support on behalf of eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, City Manager Musa Mbhele, and eThekwini leadership. Msweli stated that the City is committed to GO!Durban's vision to reshape eThekwini's public transport.
"The GO!Durban Integrated Public Transport Network is a legacy for future generations. Although there have been challenges, all stakeholders have continued discussions and listened carefully to each other offering solutions to improve the livelihoods of commuters and the future of public transport specifically shaped for eThekwini," Msweli said.
Msweli added that the session provided an opportunity to outline specific details required for negotiations and how best to carry the process forward. "We are here today with renewed energy and determination. This is an opportunity for the bus and taxi industry leadership to guide their industry into a partnership with the City that will allow GO!Durban to go live. Our task today is to work together to deliver a quality transport system that gives dignity to commuters by providing an effective, affordable, and reliable system that also supports the formalisation, growth, empowerment and transformation of the public transport sector in eThekwini" he said.
Acting Director of ETA, Nelisiwe Zama, said the City has met with key stakeholders to address the challenges that have halted GO!Durban from becoming operational. "Today's session shows that we are making progress and that we are all geared up to the same vision to provide a world-class public transport system. We are here today to present the revised strategy, which prioritizes phase 1: Corridors C1, C2, C3, C9, and the Inner City Distribution System," Zama said.
She further explained that the preliminary discussions were crucial prior to the launch of GO!Durban to discuss preparations and readiness by the Industries for contract negotiations, specifically with affected operators.
Babalwa Nyoka, ETA Senior Manager Public Transport Services, said the way forward is for the ETA to have further engagements with various levels of the industries leading up to the negotiations. "The City will also ensure that the process of appointing an independent facilitator is fast-tracked. There was support from the industry of the revised strategy, and there is a demonstration of willingness to work together to launch GO!Durban."
