Revamped transport plan for R9bn Go! Durban project aims to overcome challenges
One of the Go! Durban bus stations in the city. The project has been stalled for several years.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
The eThekwini Municipality is making another push to finally implement the R9 billion Go! Durban transport project. The municipality recently announced another plan, a “refined” strategy in an attempt to overcome some of the logjams that have stalled the project. The council was recently briefed on the refined strategy to push the project through.
This comes after the Tactical Adjustment Framework proposed last year failed to be implemented. That strategy would have allowed taxi operators on the completed C3 corridor not to be compelled to be part of the project, enabling them to continue operating on the route without giving up their licences.
The C3 corridor runs between Pinetown and KwaMashu. The Go! Durban project has stalled due to a variety of issues. One of the main concerns has been the ownership of the buses that will operate on the route, as taxi operators want a controlling interest in the buses, while the City also seeks the same.
The Durban West region taxi operators, who are affected by the C3 corridor, said they know nothing about this refined strategy and will not take part in any meeting scheduled about it. City documents indicate that the City had to change from the Tactical Adjustment Framework following opposition from the National Department of Transport, which indicated that it was not in favour of this strategy.
According to the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA), documents show the revised strategy aims to accelerate the delivery of an affordable, safe, reliable, and inclusive Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) through the Go! Durban programme.
It said this strategy is a direct response to the delays caused by various factors, including the 2021 impasse in negotiations between the minibus taxi and bus industries, the need for better alignment with National Department of Transport priorities, and financial lessons learned from earlier phases of the system’s development. Under the refined strategy, the municipality aims to ensure alignment with the Transport Act and grant funding requirements.
“The core mandate of the new strategy is to resuscitate activities for the implementation of the four corridors: C3, C1, C9, and the inner city, prioritising functions that include structured vehicle operation company (SVC) formation, legally compliant negotiated contracts, operator inclusion, financial discipline, and milestone-based service rollout setting with Corridor C3,” stated the document.
The report noted that ETA acting director Nelisiwe Zama stated that the revised strategy marks a decisive move towards delivering a world-class public transport system that benefits all stakeholders.
In a statement from the municipality following a council decision on the matter, it was noted that the council approved the transition from the Tactical Adjustment Framework to a refined corridor-based Go! Durban Implementation Strategy that aligns with the National Department of Transport, Treasury, and operator expectations.
“This revised strategy realigns the programme with national frameworks, accelerates short-term delivery, and places greater emphasis on inclusive stakeholder participation and long-term sustainability. The eThekwini Transport Authority will now proceed with the implementation of a thorough engagement process with all key stakeholders.
This will include regional briefings and discussions with affected minibus taxi and bus operators of phase one routes of the network. The aim is to build shared success through open communication, collaboration, and trust,” the statement added.
Mathula Mkhize of the South African National Taxi Council Durban West region said: “We have heard there is a council resolution and they will be calling a meeting to brief stakeholders.
“We know they have called a meeting for Wednesday with everyone, including the buses, but we will not be taking part in that meeting. There are specific issues that affect Durban West that we cannot just engage in in a public space like that.”
DA councillor Thabani Mthethwa said the party was not confident of the new strategy.
“The Go! Durban Project has been undermined by the way the ANC has managed it since its inception. Now that there’s a risk of losing grants from the national treasury, the municipality is scrambling to put plans together.
“It’s a shame that billions have been spent on this, and there’s nothing to show for it.”