Wednesday, last week, was a historic day in the City of Ekurhuleni as a vision became a reality.
The day saw the much anticipated Phase 1 implementation of the Harambee Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Phase one included the testing of the buses on the route between Kempton Park and Tembisa.
The transport system aims to connect the nine towns that make up Ekurhuleni.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina, together with MMC of Transport Clr Petrus Mabunda, were joined by major stakeholders in the City of Ekurhuleni, such as the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the National Taxi Association (NTA).
Masina stated that many lessons can be drawn from other cities regarding their implementation of the system.
He explained that the testing of the BRT system will commence with eight buses and added that a total of R800-million has been invested in the infrastructure of the project.
Mabunda indicated that the traffic management centre in Kempton Park, where the testing of the buses took place, is one of the best centres in Africa.
According to Peter Mashego, of SANTACO, the association welcomes this initiative.
“As the association, we are not here to compete with the BRT system but to complement it and to ensure full cooperation for the benefit of the people of Ekurhuleni,” he said.
Masina maintained that such relations and a vote of confidence in the Harambee BRT system, affirms that, through strategic partnerships, such an initiative can be a success.
The next phase of the system will commence with the operation of 40 buses in Tembisa and Kempton Park.
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