The eThekwini Municipality's Go! Durban public transport project has reportedly cost R9 billion, according to Nelisiwe Zama, the head of the EThekwini Transport Authority (ETA). The project aims to provide a comprehensive public transport system, including buses and infrastructure development. The ETA has been working on the project for some time, with Zama revealing that the municipality has been investing in planning, road construction, and station development.
The Go! Durban project involves the acquisition of new buses, with the municipality having placed an order with a local manufacturer. The plan is to receive two buses per month until June 2027. The initial fleet will consist of 22 buses owned by the municipality and 31 buses owned by the taxi industry. The two sectors will share the stake in the project, with the municipality and taxi operators working together to provide a seamless public transport experience.
The project has faced some challenges, including resistance from taxi operators. However, Zama emphasizes that the municipality has been engaging with the taxi industry to address their concerns. Taxi operators who choose to exit the project will be provided with a financial package to enable them to do so. The municipality has also been working to resolve issues related to the maintenance and refurbishment of existing buses.
The Go! Durban project is expected to have a significant impact on the public transport system in eThekwini. The initial routes will include a Pinetown to Bridge City route, which will pass through the city center. The municipality plans to expand the service to nine routes in total. Zama assures that the project is government-funded, and the fare for using the buses will be affordable and not directly linked to fuel price fluctuations.
According to Zama, the fare for using the Go! Durban buses will be reviewed annually, taking into account various factors, including inflation. The municipality aims to provide a reliable and efficient public transport system that will benefit the community. The project has the potential to transform the way people move around eThekwini, providing a more convenient and affordable option.
The eThekwini Municipality has denied allegations that it had previously purchased buses that were allowed to deteriorate. Zama explains that the old buses were refurbished and are still in use. The municipality is confident that the Go! Durban project will be a success, despite the challenges faced. The project is expected to provide economic benefits, including job creation and stimulation of local economic growth.
The outcome of the negotiations with taxi operators will determine the future of the Go! Durban project. If an agreement cannot be reached, the municipality may be forced to take full control of the project. However, Zama remains optimistic that a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached. The launch of the Go! Durban project is expected to take place in January 2027, marking a significant milestone in the development of eThekwini's public transport system.
Key points
- The eThekwini Municipality's R9 billion Go! Durban project aims to provide a comprehensive public transport system, including buses and infrastructure development.
