Since the launch of the trunk service, commuters and residents have continuously urged the City of Johannesburg to ensure that the system has a wider reach, says the City Communication Director Gabu Tugwana, today.

The City has been engaged in study tours, workshops, information sharing sessions and a host of other activities with members of the taxi industry since 2006. This culminated in a formal negotiation process, being facilitated by a highly-skilled negotiation team, Mr. Charles Nupen, Mr. Pete Harris and Mr. Tefo Raditapole.

A substantial number of taxi owners have registered to be part of Rea Vaya and are engaging in the formal negotiation process. All Rea Vaya buses are currently driven by former mini-bus taxi drivers who have received extensive training.

This is testimony that the City has no intention of alienating the taxi industry, while at the same time endeavour to improve public transport for commuters and residents, says Rehana Moosajee, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport. She reiterated that the City remains committed to continue to engage all affected parties who feel they need a further understanding of the project.

The City confirms that Lisa Seftel, the Executive Director for Transportation has received a letter from the United Taxi Association Forum requesting an urgent meeting. She confirmed yesterday that the City will consider the request and respond “in due course”.

As demonstrated in the Public Transport Summit at Nasrec hosted by the Executive Mayor, Clr Amos Masondo in August 2009, the City remains committed to working with all stakeholders in its endeavour to improve and integrate public transport. At this event, views of over 600 participants adopted substantive declarations.

Amongst these was the acknowledgement of: “the need for a public transport partnership to create a world class public transport system and enable a strong and growing economy in Joburg” as well as the resolution on: “the speedy implementation of Rea Vaya BRT on set out dates”.


Ends

For more about this media release, please contact:

Lisa  Seftel,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. 
Tel:  (011)  870  4511
For the City of Johannesburg’s Transport Department;
Nthatisi  Modingoane,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(011)  407  7352  and  Gabu Tugwana
(011)  407  7162  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for  the City’s Media Liaison Department

Nthatisi Modingoane
Deputy Director: Communications
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it