Ekurhuleni revs up BRT
THE Ekurhuleni Metro council is in high gear to implement the bus rapid transport (BRT) system in the region.
Mayoral committee member, Thumbu Mahlangu, promised that the first bus of the proposed system would be on the road before the end of May next year.
Mahlangu said the metro has almost concluded the design of the routes which would be covered in the first phase of the BRT.
He said the initial routes included Tembisa, Germiston, Katlehong, Kempton Park, OR Tambo Airport, Benoni, Vosloorus, Springs, Brakpan and Benoni.
“We are in the process of finalising whether the buses will use the middle or side lane.
“We will be selecting suitable contractors to start constructing the infrastructure necessary for the movement of the buses.”
He said the final costs for the project had not been determined, but it would cost billions.
Mahlangu said the metro expected the construction of infrastructure would provide jobs to help fight unemployment in the region.
He said the public transport system was analysed based on the experiences of the City of Johannesburg and other countries.
“There are certain aspects and knowledge we took from the City of Joburg and in countries abroad that are operating the system.”
Mahlangu was adamant that unlike in Johannesburg where taxi operators fought against the system, Ekurhuleni would not experience bloodshed. “We are meeting on a regular basis and we do not expect fights because all stakeholders have committed themselves to peaceful engagement.”