THE next phase of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Johannesburg is set to launch later this month.
The City of Johannesburg head of transport Lisa Seftel said yesterday that the council will open Phase 1B of the system on October 19 as one of the city's major activities to mark Transport Month.
The route, to be known as the University Corridor, will join the existing Soweto route from Noordgesig, along Commando Road, past Westbury into Auckland Park and will connect to the Johannesburg city centre via Empire Road.
Unlike the launch of the initial phase of the system, which was characterised by violence that resulted in the death of several people as taxi owners resisted the move. The next phase is envisioned to be launched in a calmer environment.
"We have spoken to taxi operators about their importance to the transport industry. In the first part of BRT they were assured of the 12-year contract in which they would operate as major shareholders," Seftel said.
"They have been earning money. Although they do not agree with us wholly because they want to own the operation, we are bound by legislation. Negotiations were different this time. We have built trust through consultation." - xabav@sowetan.co.za
Next phase of BRT Joburg set to launch this month
THE next phase of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Johannesburg is set to launch later this month.
The City of Johannesburg head of transport Lisa Seftel said yesterday that the council will open Phase 1B of the system on October 19 as one of the city's major activities to mark Transport Month.
The route, to be known as the University Corridor, will join the existing Soweto route from Noordgesig, along Commando Road, past Westbury into Auckland Park and will connect to the Johannesburg city centre via Empire Road.
Unlike the launch of the initial phase of the system, which was characterised by violence that resulted in the death of several people as taxi owners resisted the move. The next phase is envisioned to be launched in a calmer environment.
"We have spoken to taxi operators about their importance to the transport industry. In the first part of BRT they were assured of the 12-year contract in which they would operate as major shareholders," Seftel said.
"They have been earning money. Although they do not agree with us wholly because they want to own the operation, we are bound by legislation. Negotiations were different this time. We have built trust through consultation." - xabav@sowetan.co.za
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