It is not yet certain whether the dedicated taxi lanes recently announced for the inner city will be extended to Region C.
Residents who work in the city will certainly be affected by the changes, regardless. At the moment, the focus is on easing traffic congestion on some of the main routes in the inner city, which will also minimise the city’s carbon footprint. This announcement was made at a three-day international conference of transport authorities by Gauteng Transport MEC Dr Ismail Vadi earlier in March. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters and Gauteng Premier David Makhura were also in attendance, addressing high-profile people from countries such as Nigeria, Singapore and Kenya.
The Department of Transport (DoT) is currently focusing on reducing travel time, introducing an integrated ticket model and improving licensing and subsidy systems, Vadi said.
“Johannesburg is almost ready to pilot a number of roads as dedicated lanes for minibus taxis, especially during peak hour periods, to create a smoother flow of traffic and curb greenhouse gas emissions,” he was quoted saying.
“The taxi industry does not receive a government subsidy but the DoT nonetheless is determined to integrate its operations into the mainstream.”
Vadi said it will pay recognition to the critical role taxis play in the economy. He said both the taxi sector and the DoT has recognised the need for a paradigm shift in taxi operations.
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