IN a progressive move towards an Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) for the region, the taxi operators in Nelson Mandela Bay have formed five cooperatives which will conclude contracts with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) for the operation of the IPTS.

In a joint statement issued with the NMBM, Chairperson of the Taxi Forum, Melekile Hani, said: "This marks the beginning of the transformation of the Taxi Industry from informal operations into formal business entities."

All ten existing Taxi Associations in Nelson Mandela Bay, incorporating Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch, will constitute the cooperatives in the areas that they currently operate. These contracts with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will provide scheduled services throughout the city, with subsidies being provided by Government.

The services will initially run in parallel with the existing contracted Algoa Bus Services, but will eventually be integrated into one system.

The method of payment for the new contracted services is still being discussed, based on the Government’s guarantee that there will be no loss of legitimate profits or jobs by the taxi industry.

The NMBM is in the process of buying new buses for transporting visitors, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup event which will be operated with the involvement of the taxi cooperatives. After the 2010 FIFA World Cup these buses will be used to provide services as part of the IPTS.

The public transport lanes currently being constructed will also be used by the cooperatives on the contracted services, with widening being provided at stopping places to allow for overtaking.

"We are proud of this milestone in ensuring an integrated public transport system for the people of Nelson Mandela Bay," said Deputy Executive Mayor, Bicks Ndoni.

 "It will go a long way towards the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup SA, as well as leave a lasting legacy for the region," he said.

Source: Nelson Mandela Bay