The long-awaited Mangaung Bus Rapid Transport System is set to start operating soon, according to the city.
The national government has injected R2-billion into the project, which was first mooted in 2008.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula hit out at the numerous delays in the Mangaung Bus Rapid Transit project in April and said it would be the subject of a forensic investigation, as would allegations that prices were inflated.
However, Mangaung metropolitan spokesperson Qondile Khedama said that the city has signed memorandums of agreement with Interstate Bus Line and the three taxi associations – the Thaba Nchu Long-Distance Taxi Association, Botshabelo Amalgamated Taxi Association and Greater Bloemfontein Taxi Association – as well as the Motheo District Taxi Council.
“The city assisted taxi associations to establish a formal company that has since being registered as Mangaung Transit, which is owned and operated by taxi operators. This Mangaung Transit has been appointed by the city to operate the Mangaung Bus Rapid Transport System, which is called Hauweng.”
Khedama also said Mangaung Transit has secured 28 bus drivers, and all have been trained in first aid, customer care, firefighting, universal access and other attributes that would make them considerate to commuters.
“The Hauweng buses are almost ready to hit the road. There are few items that the city and Mangaung Transit must finalise. What is remaining is the handing over of the Hauweng interim bus depot and the city is almost finished with the installation of bus stops along the CBD to Brandwag corridor,” he said.
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