IN THE NEWS Volunteers offter to clean up tram route

A GROUP of volunteers has approached council to assist in cleaning up the city following a barrage of complaints from tram passengers and tourists about the filthy state of the area surrounding the Bultfontein Road taxi rank.

Council yesterday advised that various departments should assist in keeping the tram route clean.

It also called upon the mayor as well as the Economic Development, Urban Renewal and Tourism committee to make an urgent decision regarding the reopening of Bultfontein Road for the tram to resume the route around the Big Hole to the city hall.

The road was closed almost 10 years ago due to concerns that the Big Hole was caving in.

Council recommended that some control measures be put in place to manage the taxis operating in Bultfontein Road.

It was noted that should the road be reopened, the rate trip per person for the tram, which is currently R10 for a return ride, could be increased.

The overall revenue generated from the tram amounted to

R39 580 for the 2016/17 financial year, which was only 66 percent of the targeted income of R60 000.

Council also pointed out that revenue was lost when the tram was not operational in rainy weather, when it posed a risk to tram operators and tourists.

A cash register has been installed at the ticket booth, where passengers are now required to first pay and produce a ticket before embarking on the tram. This follows after the Tourism office identified risks with the cash collection process.

It was, however, reported that a dedicated cashier had to be appointed as the tram operators were not able to manage the cash registers, operate the tram and man the ticket office, where special arrangements will have to be made over weekends and public holidays. – Sandi Kwon Hoo