Polokwane Municipality and Great North Transport (GNT) took a further step towards realisation of a transformed and integrated public transport system for the city when a memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed recently.
The municipality started the process of engaging transport sector players in 2012 where it was established that economic rights of minibus taxi and bus operators will be affected by the implementation of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport System (IRPTS).
According to Mantlako Sebaka, Manager Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Relations in the municipality’s Transportation Services Directorate, the signing of the MoA with GNT and the one already concluded with the minibus taxi operators, will usher in the market survey process for purposes of Phase 1a, 1 and 2 of the project. The results of the market survey process will assist in determining the market-share of the four affected minibus taxi operators and GNT as an affected bus operator. The results will further assist towards formation of a Vehicle Operating Company (VOC) negotiated in terms of municipal procurement processes.
At the signing ceremony, Great North Transport Board Chairperson, Mantsitsi Maphutha said, “The signing of the memorandum of agreement between the two parties is a significant step towards development. We are indeed a transport entity that cares for our people and with this partnership we foresee improvement of public transport.”
Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng thanked the leadership of the minibus taxi operators for their continued support and said that the cooperation of both the minibus taxi operators and GNT in the market surveys is paramount as they are determinants of the success of the system.
According to Nkadimeng, the municipality already undertook a system naming campaign in order to find a unique name for the system and a range of stakeholders took part in the campaign and gave their input. Upon consolidation of the suggested names that were received, the municipality shortlisted 15 names and the naming process will now be prioritised.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com
Featured photo: Thembi Nkadimeng, Polokwane Executive Mayor officiates at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement.
