By Celani Sikhakhane
- The City of EThekwini has approved a new plan to complete phase one of the R22-billion Go Durban public transport system.
- Acting transport director Nelisiwe Zama says the revised plan follows years of fights with the taxi industry and stalled construction.
The City of EThekwini is at last moving ahead with the R22-billion Go Durban project after more than a decade of setbacks and delays.
The Go Durban system was first announced in 2014 under then mayor James Nxumalo. It aimed to create a modern integrated public transport network for the city. But plans stalled for years as the minibus taxi industry resisted the project. Taxi bosses feared the new buses would destroy their businesses if they were excluded.
On Tuesday the city’s executive committee received a new plan from the eThekwini Transport Authority.
Acting transport director Nelisiwe Zama said the revised strategy was designed to fix the problems that had delayed the project.
“This revision is a direct response to the delays, which, among others, included the 2021 impasse in the minibus taxi and bus industry negotiations, the need to better align with National Department of Transport priorities, and the financial and operational lessons from earlier phases of developing the system,” said Zama.
She said the city will start by running Go Durban buses in mixed traffic while it completes the last sections of dedicated bus lanes. Once those lanes are ready, the buses will move to the new routes.
Zama said the new plan also gives more focus to including all stakeholders and making sure the system is sustainable.
She told the committee that the city will now meet with affected minibus taxi and bus operators to discuss how they will be involved in the first routes.
The city believes this updated approach will finally deliver an affordable, safe and reliable transport system for Durban residents.
Pictured above: The City of EThekwini is finally going ahead with the R22 billion Go! Durban bus project after 11 years of disputes.
Image source: X
