IPTS up and running in Nelson Mandela Bay

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Nelson Mandela Bay's much-vaunted integrated public transport system is up and running.

Buses were seen moving through different parts of the Metro these past few days.

Municipality spokesperson, Kupido Baron, says "the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's integrated public transport system is currently up and running. Buses are available to the public."

Baron said prices for these buses are similar to Algoa Bus service. "We currently running the buses on seven operational routes" and "the public must please make use of this opportunity to make use of this world class system."

However, the IPTS has been dogged by controversy since the 25 articulated buses were purchased ahead of the 2010 World Cup at a cost of more than R100m.

Just last month at a Council meeting executive mayor Zanoxolo Wayile and his deputy Nancy Sihlwayi revealed that they had received death threats in connection with a probe into the awarding of contracts for the IPTS.

Wayile told the Council that the investigation is being conducted by former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, and is expected to take three months.

Wayile said the tenders in question were worth about R200m and involved some councillors.