Despite Protests and Strikes, BRT Moves Ahead in Johannesburg

Despite strong opposition from taxi driver associations, a new bus rapid transit system is set to open later this month in Johannesburg, South Africa.

1 minute read

August 23, 2009, 9:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The United Taxi Association Forum (UTAF), a body representing at least 31 taxi associations, has threatened to embark on a mass protest the day before the official launch of the BRT. This has received support from the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).

They have accused government of not consulting with them enough over the system's implementation. The forum has said it will head to court in a bid to stop the BRT from going ahead."

The city claims it gave the taxi organizations ample opportunity to participate in the BRT planning process and that it will go ahead with the implementation as planned. The BRT system is part of a nationwide effort to improve transportation, partly to improve city conditions ahead of the soccer World Cup that will take place in June 2010.

Friday, August 21, 2009 in AllAfrica

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