A member of a taxi association has expressed concern with the way the ReaVaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was introduced into Alexandra.
This was said from a background of complaints by stakeholders and residents who claimed to have been excluded from jobs and contracts linked to the development of the road network of the rapid transit system.
Armsta deputy chairperson Tello Selepe said the system had flaws which could have been rectified at inception phase if the city council had held a summit of all key stakeholders.
“This would have resulted in inclusive planning, implementation and a management process, and [hence] a reduction in the complaints, ” he said.
Selepe said the rapid transit system was likely to impact negatively on the incomes of taxi operators. This prompted the taxi industry to set up a technical committee to advise them on issues of concern in order to engage with the city council on the on-going development of the bus system.
“While we support government’s development programme, the planning of the BRT should have considered that the taxi industry created the routes to ferry the commuters, for employment generation and for income generation,” said Selepe.
“Also, the planning should have considered issues of convenience for the commuters who will find less taxi’s travelling on their preferred routes when the buses are introduced.”
He also expressed concern that the planning had not considered options for alleviating job losses. Selepe suggested that the city council could localise the procurement of goods and services related to the development and operation of the system. This he said would be in compliance with government’s objective on employment generation and economic transformation.
Selepe was also critical of the community which he said were poorly organised and complacent on matters involving development in Alexandra. “They should strengthen all available platforms for engaging with the City and government and not let officials make all decisions on their behalf.”
Details: 011 440 4156
