Teething problems of the newly introduced bus system came under the spotlight yesterday as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Transbay thrashed out challenges and solutions to ensure the long term viability of the Libhongolethu Bus System.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Deputy Executive Mayor Nancy Sihlwayi says an internal assessment by the local government institution and Transbay indicates that the system faces several challenges that will receive urgent attention.
“We are aware that the buses are currently not operating in a cost-effective manner and the fact that pedestrians would like to see more routes implemented especially in areas where people are reliant on an efficient public transport system. The conduct of some of the employees was highlighted as well as the overall operations. The question of time tables for the buses also received considerable attention.
“We are therefore fully aware of the community’s frustrations regarding the implementation of the pilot phase and I can assure you that systems will be put in place as today’s meeting was a review of the implementation process.
“I am happy that we are in a good space at the moment and I would like to request the community of Nelson Mandela Bay to make use of the buses as it is meant for them. This will allow us to improve operations and ultimately provide an efficient service to pedestrians out there,” she added.
Mr Sicelo Duze, Chairperson of Transbay, says since the project is in the initial stages of implementation teething problems can be expected.
“These problems are actually minute if we weigh it up against the potential and the benefits that the city will gain from this system.
“We are already seeing an improvement in passenger numbers and the development of time tables is at an advance stage,” he added.
Officials from Transbay, municipal officials, management and political leadership as well as service providers attended the marathon meeting at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Editor’s Notes: Strange, maybe they should take a leaf out of the GOOD IPTS experience reported back to me here: Annette and Isabella’s big IPTS Adventure.
