2010-02-26: Outcome of the meeting held between UTAF, SACO and the City of Johannesburg
On the evening of 24 February 2010, the Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Councillor Amos Masondo, accompanied by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Councillor Rehana Moosajee met with members of mini-bus taxi associations who are part of the United Taxi Association Forum (UTAF). The meeting was also attended by the President of the South African Commuter Organisation (SACO), Mr. Sangweni. This was a follow-up from previous engagements between the various parties.
“After listening to the concerns raised in the meeting, the COJ has agreed to delay the implementation of the feeder buses for a period of two weeks,” announced Executive Mayor, Amos Masondo.
“I also welcome the decision of further affected taxi operators to come into a negotiation process with the city where differences can be reconciled,” he added.
The UTAF members raised concerns with the Rea Vaya BRT roll out in the City of Joburg and in particular with the planned roll out of a feeder system from the 1st March 2010. They further indicated that they felt left out of the negotiation process with affected operators and are prepared to come into this negotiation process.
“These two weeks should give sufficient time for affected operators to make significant progress in ensuring that there is co-existence between the Rea Vaya BRT and some sections of the taxi industry which presently feel excluded”, said the Executive Mayor.
The City of Johannesburg has involved the taxi Industry holistically since the inception of the Rea Vaya project and has been involved in negotiations with a significant number of affected operators since August 2009. However, in line with its approach to be as inclusive as possible, the City has agreed to this postponement to get further taxis operators on board.
“We do not foresee this as a set back in the negotiation process”, said Rehana Moosajee, MMC for Transport. She remains confident that the Rea Vaya project is on track and will be ready for transporting 2010 spectators and to serve the people of Johannesburg.
At the meeting held last night, the UTAF spokesperson, Ralph Jones welcomed the decision of the Executive Mayor. The South African Commuter Organisation (SACO) was also thanked for their role in assisting to bring the City and UTAF together to discuss this matter.
The City of Johannesburg wishes to thank passengers for their continued overwhelmingly positive patronage of Rea Vaya and assure passengers that the system boasts safe, fast and reliable world class bus operating systems.
Issued by: City of Johannesburg’s
To find out more about this Rea Vaya BRT press release, please contact:
Nthatisi Modingoane on 082 467 9228 or 011 407 7354
Email: nthatisem@joburg.org.za