Bay bus system - what a costly shambles

24 January 2014

NELSON Mandela Bay's new bus system is in a shambles. A report presented by its project manager, Mhleli Tshamase, to city bosses last week details how the ambitious multibillion-rand system - which was meant to revamp public transport in the Bay - has moved from one disruption to another, had endless delays and suffered massive financial losses since its inception.

This is because of a lack of capacity and proper management in the municipality, and tumultuous negotiations with the taxi industry - a major player in the running of the system.

An ANC councillor who attended last week's meeting, but cannot be named for fear of reprisals, said: "Let's be honest, the project has collapsed."

The buses which were operating on the Summerstrand route have been off the road since November 14, after threats by taxi bosses who are livid that the city has yet to pay out what they claim was agreed compensation to taxi owners whose vehicles were pulled off the route to create a market for the buses.

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Reader's Comments

Report Abuse Author: VernE Date: 24 January 2014 15:14

Meanwhile in East London the hourly intervals between buses during certain periods of the day are being increased further due to old buses being withdrawn from service and not being replaced.

Report Abuse Author: alvonhumb Date: 24 January 2014 11:40

Here's a job for the Herald: Do a calculation of all the non-productive spending that has gone on failed projects, payouts to officials and legal expenses arising from both since the ANC has been "running" the NMBM. The people protesting on the streets and suffering in sub-standard conditions, as well as the taxpayers who have had their money frittered away on the absolute incompetence and waste of the current regime have a right to know. What a disaster we have had, from Faku through to Fihla and every incompetent croney that has acted alongside them. We have had enough.

Report Abuse Author: TheRef Date: 24 January 2014 11:08

Bus services collapse! Wow what a surprise,where did all that money go i wonder, another failure chalked up to incompetence and corruption i guess!

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