Transport System launched with fanfare -but without an operators licence

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor, Zanoxolo Wayile, says the introduction of the pilot phase of the Integrated Public Transport System is a moment that should be celebrated.

Wayile was speaking at city hall on Thursday during the ceremonial launch of the much-anticipated bus system.

He says the fundamental objective of the Integrated Public Transport System is the provision of an affordable, safe and quality service.

"This is the moment that must be celebrated but we must do everything to subordinate our differences to the bigger picture of serving our own people and we must never loose focus from the broader strategic objective of this particular project" Wayile said.

However, in spite of Thursday's fanfare it will be at least 2 weeks before the buses are actually operational on the roads of Nelson Mandela Bay.

This is because the process of obtaining an operators license by the joint venture company, established between the taxi industry and Algoa Bus Company, is still underway.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has spent millions acquiring 24 articulated buses that will eventually form the backbone of a bus rapid transport system.

Deputy Executive Mayor, Nancy Sihlwayi, explains the process going forward.

"There is an area which is still being facilitated with the Department of Transport which is the operating license that will allow the joint venture between the taxi industry and Algoa bus to operate fully until the end of the pilot which should be finalised in two weeks" Sihlwayi said.