It took a decade for Rustenburg taxi operators to back the government’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, but their hopes were dashed in minutes by a media statement issued by transport authorities announcing the integrated public transport program budget cuts and a shift in government support for the bus service expansion.
Herman Sebego of the Taxi Negotiating Forum says operators feel betrayed, having only learned about the project’s fate through news reports.
“It has taken 10 years to convince taxi operators to come onboard – to be dumped unceremoniously without any consultation or at least prior warning before media announcements by the government,” protested Sebego.
The withdrawal of funding led to protests by taxi operators accusing the Rustenburg municipality of corruption and theft of funds,” calling for Justice Madlanga Commission and the Hawks to investigate the allegations,” read BAMTA taxi protesters’ placards.
Sebego says the budget cuts decision left operators confused and financially exposed.
“Many operators have decided not to buy new taxis in preparation for the full roll out of the BRT service in their routes and had not been renewing their operating licenses hoping the project is going ahead as planned,” he said.
Godfrey Mahlangu, director of Rustenburg Rapid Transport, stated that current priorities focus on maintaining existing operations and infrastructure.
“The immediate focus is on protecting and maintaining that which directly support existing operations and commuter services,” Mahlangu said.
Sebego said all that they expect from government is transparency and communication with regards to the status of the project going forward.
“We are in the dark we lack clarity as to what are the implications of government budgetary cuts – will this affects the daily operation of the BRT or the expansion plans?’” Sebego asked.
Sebego says 600 minibus taxis were removed from their normal route to give way for the BRT’s limited three-route service.
According to Sebego each taxi operator received a once-off payment of R1.3 million per surrendered taxi to make way for the BRT.
Taxi operators were offered an opportunity to participate in share options in the Yarona BRT operating company IPTOC.
For every surrendered taxi and operating license individual taxi operator purchased 1 share for the price of R120 000.00 (one hundred one and twenty rand). If an operator has five taxis, he is entitled to buy 5 shares for R600,000.00 (six hundred thousand rands). In addition, shareholders received a monthly dividend of R5,000.00
