Amid Funding Trouble, Officials Say BRT Will Survive

Funding troubles are threatening the stability of South Africa's foray into bus rapid transit systems in its major cities. Officials say they will do whatever they can to avoid its collapse.

"The ongoing insufficient funding is a major concern. BRTs are mass transit network projects needing sustainable funding for 10 to 20 years - we will not allow it to collapse," acting Transport Department director general George Mahlalela said.

He was addressing a packed SA Bus Operators Association (Saboa) conference in Pretoria, on the progress made in the introduction of integrated public transport networks in the country.

"It (BRT) is a better experience in many ways and interventions need to be put in place to deal with the funding matter."

BRT will not collapse - transport department
Independent Online
February 18, 2010