BRT System Threatened by Strikes and Legal Action

As it closes in on its planned opening day, South Africa's first bus rapid transit system in Johannesburg could be marred by legal action and taxi strikes. A nationwide strike is being organized by the South African National Taxi Council, while an arm of the United Taxi Association Forum is seeking a court intervention to stop the system from opening.

The scheduled launch of Rea Vaya - billed as the nation's debut BRT project - on August 31 could be stopped by a court interdict being sought by Doldotha Taxi Association, a member of the United Taxi Association Forum, formed by various taxi associations in Gauteng and Polokwane.

...Philip Taaibosch, the secretary-general of Santaco, said the industry was angry that the government had also gone back on its word regarding an undertaking made at the national joint working group established by President Jacob Zuma.

A short left to BRT from the taxis
The Sunday Independent
August 23, 2009

Taxi Industry Vows Strike When Jo'burg BRT Opens

The SA National Taxi Council plans to hold nationwide strikes beginning September 1, the day after Johannesburg's bus rapid transit system is set to begin operations. Taxi officials have been upset about not being included more in the planning process for the broad new system.

Despite negotiations not yet being concluded, the City of Johannesburg was rigidly committed to putting the BRT on line as scheduled, said Santaco secretary-general Philip Taaibosch.

"But even more frightfully, the city does this despite the flaws that exist in the business model of the BRT project...," said Taaibosch.

The government set up a National Joint Working Committee to deal with taxi operators' issues after an outcry over BRT by the taxi industry.

Taxis vow to put brakes on BRT
The Independent Online
August 21, 2009