Taxi operators who were at the Free State leg of the Competition Commission’s Market Inquiry into land based transport at Ilanga Estate, have urged those present to dissuade officials in power from introducing the system in the metro. Chairperson of The Greater Bloemfontein Taxi Association, Leemisa Seloane, says the government has not consulted the taxi industry on the bus rapid transit system, and have instead given them an ultimatum. He told OFM News the deal includes a compensation model that they have not been consulted on either. For Seloane, a second generation taxi operator, this is about more than just his income.

He says his father raised him with taxi money and he doesn’t have a problem with the improvement of services but feels that it disadvantages those in the industry. Seloane says he wouldn’t mind the system, if it was possible for him to own the buses but the system is designed in such a way that that is not possible. He says the municipality plans to work on 12-year contracts. He questions what will happen to people once their contracts lapse because in the taxi industry, there are currently no contracts. 

It is expected the system will be introduced in two phases. The first phase will cover the area known as Chief Moroka up to the University of the Free State. The second phase will cover Bloemfontein’s Central Business District and go all the way to the informal settlements known as Phase 6 and 7. 

Seloane says his taxis currently cover 13 routes, the introduction of both phases of the system will affect 10 of his routes, potentially reducing his profits significantly. The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has been in the process of establishing an Integrated Public Transport Network for the city for years. This is despite concerns raised by the public in recent years over the viability of the bus transit system, which according to reports has failed in larger cities, like Johannesburg. Seloane asks “if it failed in a real metropolitan city, what do they think will happen here”. 

Last year Members of the Portfolio Committee on Transport voiced their reservations about the implementation and need for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system at the Mangaung Metro. The committee said the metro needed to work on its road infrastructure before procuring new buses. 

OFM News