The Nelson Mandela Bay’s Integrated Public Transport System has been officially launched in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.
The system was supposed to be operational after the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but was faced with many challenges.
These included conflicts between taxi associations and the municipality, over routes and operations, as well as infrastructure challenges.
Elderly people, scholars and students will get discounts on the bus service, while SA Police Service (SAPS) and Metro Police in uniform will not pay.
Mayor Athol Trollip says they aim to negotiate with taxi associations that are operating in South African townships to ensure this system is spread throughout the metro.
“Once this system is up and running all the attention and sorting out contracts with taxi operators, the next routes will be a lot easier I believe. Once people see it happening and see that it does not compromise, but compliments the existing taxi service. I think that will unfold quickly. A lot of the infrastructure is already in place, so it’s just finalising the negotiations and the partnerships and I think that will work out quickly,” says Trollip.
The buses were used to transport people to the stadium during the Soccer World Cup and have built-in ramps to accommodate those with disabilities.
