Cross post from cr@zydude (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/member.php?u=61927) @ mybroadband forums.

Today I rode a BRT bus for the first time, and I can trully say that I have seen the future. I'm in PE and Algoa Bus had a brand new 30 seated 30 standing bus. It has a flat bottom, so no more climbing up the stairs. There are also 2 doors, but only the one was used, as we were on the normal road. These busses are great though, and I can't wait for the whole project to be done.

The whole netwrok isn't up yet in PE, but the route I took was from NMMU to Greenacres, it's part of what they are calling the 'circle route'.

The new bus seems to be slightly more rectangular, if that makes senses, it seems flatter on all dimensions. It has 2 doors on it, one at the driver and another half way down the bus. Only the one was open today though, as the bus wasn't in it's lane.

You can walk straight into the bus, there are no stairs to climb. The bottom of the bus is at street level. You can still pay cash, but that is being phased out for a 'Super Bus Pass'. A one way trip costs R7.30 and a week pass about R66 and a month R275. I had a pass so I just showed the driver, said where i wanted to go and got a ticket.

Inside, the buss has 30 seats and standing space for 30 people. the front has mostly standing space, which overhead rails and straps to hold onto. There are also about 10 seats on the lower level. At the back, the seats are on a raised part of the buss, with a step and slope upwards. About 20 seats are up there. They are plastic with a 'bucket design' and have padding and fabric covers.

There is a sign that tells you when the bus is stopping, which I quite like. There are buttons to alert the driver that you want to stop all along the bus.

The route was from the South campus, past North campus, where there was a slight run in with taxi owners, and along beach road in summerstrand. It goes towards central and into the main bus station. There it stops to allow people on and off. From there it goes past city hall and up white street to rink street, and then Cape road. It then goes down Cape road and turns into Greenacres.

It was less than a 40 minute journey in total. It takes about 25 -30 minutes to drive the same distance.

Hope that clears some things up. http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I didn't realise PE was getting one and that they were at that stage already O_O

You go PE.

@ Lydon, BRT will be implemented in Jozi, Tshwane, PE and CT.

seems durbs has been left behind, nice one sutcliffe

^^ belive you me SA Boy, I like the People Mover and we complained about our cities when Durbs introduced it and I believe that at least Durbs had enough time to test and all that is needed is to expand the system so that it can accomodate more areas.

seems durbs has been left behind, nice one sutcliffe

but they will say durbs is not suited to one and brt is not suitable for durbs eventhough govt has in theory allocated about R10 billion per city already over the next 10 years.

who doesnt want R10 billion?

I think Durbs would be wise to check out how the system is implemented in SA first before they implement it. Lots of lessons to learn. Joburg will for sure be one hell of a guinea pig with the BRT.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/03092009017.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/03092009013.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/03092009008.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/03092009003.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/03092009002.jpg
All images courtesy of crazydude

but they will say durbs is not suited to one and brt is not suitable for durbs eventhough govt has in theory allocated about R10 billion per city already over the next 10 years.

who doesnt want R10 billion?

you just seem to roll with the sarcasm and digs. If u did some reading you would know that durban opted out of going the brt route now for two reasons. The first being that we were already ahead of the other cities with the people mover system, which is being drastically expanded by year end. The second reason and i will find the cities comments on this, is that the city wanted to wait and learn from other cities mistakes. They have fully engaged with the taxi industry who will actually form part of our inner city distribution system. Durban will put brt in place. They already have routes planned from the south and north of the city, hence all the public transport only lanes that have been put in place. So keep the forked tongue in for awhile. Yes we will put the system in only in 2011 but why ford everyone have to have it right now, there other means of transport and most visitors will not use it in ct and joburg anyway due to its focus on distance commuter travel from the townships

Oh and to emphasize, the people mover system is gettin 85 extra buses. So the city is hardly left behind.

Oh and to emphasize, the people mover system is gettin 85 extra buses. So the city is hardly left behind.

:banana: nice, and when will that be. I personally like people Mover and have used it and found it very friendly and convinient.

My only problem with people with the people mover is the size of the stations, they need to expand them a little.

the PR work for the PE system is seriously lacking, asked PE peeps this weekend about the system and none of them knew much about it.

mo, the pic you posted is that the BRT system? seems like a new Algoa Bus Co bus to me.

The BRT website, http://www.busrapidtransitsystem.co.za

thanks

you just seem to roll with the sarcasm and digs. If u did some reading you would know that durban opted out of going the brt route now for two reasons. The first being that we were already ahead of the other cities with the people mover system, which is being drastically expanded by year end. The second reason and i will find the cities comments on this, is that the city wanted to wait and learn from other cities mistakes. They have fully engaged with the taxi industry who will actually form part of our inner city distribution system. Durban will put brt in place. They already have routes planned from the south and north of the city, hence all the public transport only lanes that have been put in place. So keep the forked tongue in for awhile. Yes we will put the system in only in 2011 but why ford everyone have to have it right now, there other means of transport and most visitors will not use it in ct and joburg anyway due to its focus on distance commuter travel from the townships

the hissy fits are back.

the PR work for the PE system is seriously lacking, asked PE peeps this weekend about the system and none of them knew much about it.

mo, the pic you posted is that the BRT system? seems like a new Algoa Bus Co bus to me.

Hey man, I am the one the took the pics. That is in one of the 'BRT' busses, but they belong to the Algoa Bus Company. So far the bus lanes are not done yet, so teh busses are still on teh normal road.

They have introduced a new 'Super Bus Pass' system to have people pay before getting on busses. It also uses zonal payments, instead of paying per trip.

Can't believe that I didn't make a PE BRT thread here.:nuts:

thought i recognised the logo on the side - so algoa bus company will be the operating company for the brt system?

thought i recognised the logo on the side - so algoa bus company will be the operating company for the brt system?

Yes, it seems like that PE wants to have one systems, so that people can switch from 'mixed traffic' buses to 'BRT' buses while using the same bus pass or smart card.

makes sense, thanks

PE's BRT tender has finally been awarded:

AFTER almost a year in limbo, a R100-million tender to build buses for Port Elizabeth’s controversial Bus Rapid Transit system has been awarded to Volvo South Africa.

http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=472604

Well, looks like things are starting to get moving here in PE. :)

Thanx Crazy, I wonder which design they gonna go for.

Volvo BRT Gallery (http://icp.llr.se/CumulusE_Z/VBC_ImageGallery/)


http://www.busworld.org/_cms/news/pics/foto_sys_Afbeeldingen_Afbeelding_166.jpghttp://212.181.8.238/webbplatser/vbeb/Lists/Photos/Mex_biartic.jpg

Volvo BRT Gallery (http://icp.llr.se/CumulusE_Z/VBC_ImageGallery/)


Cool Buses

They look really cool. Are those buses from Europe or the USA, as the doors are on the 'wrong' sides of the buses.

We need high boarding doors on the right, and low boarding on the left.

Thanks Mo.

They look really cool. Ar ethose from Britain, as the doors are on the 'right' sides of teh buses.

They're Brazilian BRT buses designed for use with island platforms, which is why they are left hand drive but have doors on the left.

They're Brazilian BRT buses designed for use with island platforms, which is why they are left hand drive but have doors on the left.

Sorry, I had a bit of a brain fart, it was early in the morning. I have now updated the post. :lol:

If I think it through, we need right hand drive buses, with high boarding platforms on the right hand side of the bus, for use in BRT lanes, at raised platforms. They then need low boarding doors on the left, for use in normal traffic. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3934872747_a606ba0802.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3935655586_ab04d292a6.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/3935653374_2fe9e09445.jpg

Uploaded on September 20, 2009 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rushay/archives/date-posted/2009/09/20/)
by Rushay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rushay/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3935661720_bcdc9193c3.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3934879007_f1774f36b5.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3934876601_2bed425038.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3934875173_396ed3417a.jpg

I'm seeing red.Those workers better stock up on the spinach.

Looks like we have more problems here in PE, business owners want to sue teh municipality for lost business.

DISGRUNTLED Nelson Mandela Bay businesses are planning to sue the municipality for hundreds of millions of rands for loss of profits as a result of roadworks for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

This emerged at a meeting of 35 businessmen at the City Hall yesterday facilitated by the DA.

“Since the beginning of these roadworks local businesses have been experiencing power and water cuts,” said councillor Chris Roberts, who chaired the meeting.

“The municipality has not made any provision to compensate businesses suffering as a result of this.”

They had held the meeting because no one in the municipality “would listen to their pleas”, despite continuous attempts to address the issue.

Councillor Isaac Adams, who serves on the infrastructure and engineering portfolio committee, said it was not the first meeting on the issue.

Adams said: “Roads are being closed without any consultations with the business people on how or when this will take place.” Things were not done in a “structured manner”.

Businessman Avish Roga said they would sue the municipality for between R800-million and R1-billion because “the losses the local businesses have suffered so far, when estimated, add up to (this)”.

Roberts, who serves on the economic development, tourism and agriculture committee, echoed Roga, saying they had lost “plenty of money”.

He felt the decision to sue the municipality was justified. “I expect (the money to be) many millions because we are talking about many businesses here that have lost revenue.”

Car dealer Steven Theodosiou, of Eastern Cape Motors in North End, Port Elizabeth, said: “If they were transparent from the beginning, we would have reached a solution to the problem, but they have not attended any meetings we invited them to.

“From August last year, we have been trying to get them to attend our meetings, but we were sent from pillar to post. By the time customers get to my business, they are frustrated and cross (the road) because all the parking space has been taken.”

North End car mechanic Livan Naicker, added: “From the time they started building the 2010 stadium ... customers couldn’t come to the North End area because most roads were closed. My customers have got no space to park their cars, and if they can’t get to my business then there’s no business for me. In fact, they don’t come anymore because they don’t know how to get here. And I’ve got staff to pay.”

Regarding the legal process, Roberts said two attorneys who attended the meeting, who would represent the businesses, “are now going to do their homework”. A follow-up meeting to begin the legal process would be held soon, he said.

Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Kevin Hustler said they were aware of the situation and the “negative impact on many businesspeople and their customers”.

“We continue to engage on behalf of business with the municipality and other role- players on issues around the development of the new public transport system.

“It is of great concern that the construction process is having such a negative impact on business,” said Hustler.

“We are confident that, in the long term, this improvement to the metro’s public transport will bring significant benefits.

“However, it is important that the construction be completed as speedily and efficiently as possible.”

Municipal spokesman Kupido Baron said the municipality “was always open and transparent and kept all stakeholders informed of developments”, but added “we are even considering ways to fast-track our implementation of the much-needed infrastructural developments”. He would not comment on the lawsuit, saying “in the long run, everybody” would benefit from the BRT.


The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=484563)

Just found this article on PE's BRT system, it seems exceptionally vauge though:

BRT buses ready to run early next year
Volvo SA, the company contracted to build 25 buses for Port Elizabeth’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, has already begun building a prototype for the R100m tender.

By Rochelle de Kock

Volvo South Africa, the company contracted to build 25 buses for Port Elizabeth’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, has already begun building a prototype for the R100-million tender and is expected to deliver the first batch of buses early next year.

Municipal spokesman Kupido Baron said the 25 buses, of which 24 will be articulated and one a regular single coach, will cost an estimated R85-million, and the all-inclusive price of the project is R100-million.

“I do not want to commit to a date, but the first few buses will be running early next year, quite some time before the 2010 World Cup starts.

"The final unit is expected to be completed during June 2010.

“Volvo SA is in charge of building the buses, but the entire system will be run by the taxi operators as well as the bus operators, who will form a company which will be responsible for the management of the system,” Baron said.

He said the taxi association and bus operators had already drawn up business plans and presented them to the municipality.

Baron also said an agreement had been reached in which taxi and bus operators would be joint owners of Port Elizabeth’s BRT system.

The municipality and Volvo are still in negotiations about whether Volvo will install the smart- card system and run it.

Asked whether Volvo would install the system, Baron said: “In all probability, yes.

"The municipality is still in negotiations with the service provider regarding the smart-card system.”

Smart cards would be used for payment on the buses.

Volvo SA bus division general manager Marius Botha said the company Marcopolo would build the bus bodies.

“We have already started building the prototype buses.

"Once that’s complete we need the municipality to sign it off. Then we can start putting the buses together in Johannesburg.”

He said bus components would come from Sweden and Brazil.

The building project was not expected to create any further employment, as both Volvo SA and Marcopolo had a staff with the necessary expertise and skills to deliver the large project, Botha said.

To ensure the longevity of the buses in operation, Baron said, they would be serviced after every 15 000km, which could be every second month, taking into account that each vehicle was expected to travel about 7 500km a month.

Four Integrated Rapid Public Transport routes are under construction in Govan Mbeki Avenue and Kempston, Harrower and Fettes roads.

Baron said more routes would be created after the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, depending on future funding budgeted for the routes.

The buses, he said, would run as a rail-like system and follow a prescribed lane.

“The BRT buses, taxis and regular buses will not interfere with normal traffic.”

Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage District Taxi Association chairman Melekile Hani said the body would be dissolved to form five primary co-operatives that would run a scheduled formal taxi service.

“Our business plan will have primary and secondary co-operatives.

"The primary one will run according to a schedule provided by the municipality with specific routes.

"The secondary co-operative will see the 10 associations in PE and Uitenhage coming together to manage the 25 buses for the World Cup.

“We did not agree to Algoa Bus being involved in running the 25 buses; it’s the taxi operators only that will control the BRT. Algoa buses will operate as normal,” Hani said.

He said it was not yet clear whether the buses would operate 24 hours a day or run on a 9-to-5 basis. “It will depend on funding from the Treasury.

“The municipality will provide us with a schedule stating how many times we must carry passengers to a certain area.

“We won’t have to wait for the taxis to fill up before moving on to our destination, because we’ll have to stick to the schedule and be able to rely on the subsidies to make up the rest of the money,” he said.


Source (http://news.za.msn.com/economic/article.aspx?cp-documentid=150367852)

I hope that they can sort out all the little problems and get this system up and running.

TWENTY FIVE?Modimo,may the force be with us.

TWENTY FIVE?Modimo,may the force be with us.
:lol:

It would be unfair to expect PE to run a huge BRT System for a start as there were plnety of hiccups there. I'm glad that the taxi guys came to their senses.

Even PE is getting it right. We'll be lucky if we see any BRT post 2010 in Cape Town.

:lol:

It would be unfair to expect PE to run a huge BRT System for a start as there were plnety of hiccups there. I'm glad that the taxi guys came to their senses.

I think we only have 5 routes, so 25 busses should be fine, right?

Even PE is getting it right. We'll be lucky if we see any BRT post 2010 in Cape Town.

We have our problems here in PE too. The road works are making traffic unbearable in some parts of the city.

Milestone for new public transport system

12 November 2009

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.

An update at last, from the Herald:

WORK on the first phase of the R90- million Strand Street environmental upgrade – the opening up of the bus station in what used to be Jetty Street – is progressing well and is expected to be completed by August this year at a cost of slightly under R20- million.

“We are trying to upgrade Strand Street to provide more parking for shoppers coming into the city so they would be able to park all along Strand Street and walk up the side streets into Govan Mbeki Avenue,” said Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) planning and development manager Dorelle Sapere.

She said the MBDA had done a lot of work on Govan Mbeki Avenue but not enough people were not coming in to town.

The first phase to improve the situation was aimed at providing better access to the Vuyisile Mini Square area. Govan Mbeki Avenue needs “more feet and will work better from an economic point of view”, she said. The Strand Street environmental upgrade “will bring all the side streets to life. At the moment one of the challenges is the side streets have not yet been upgraded.”

There had been a masterplan for the entire Strand Street to be completed at one time, but this was later divided into phases, the first of which was the rejuvenation of the old Jetty Street access to Vuyisile Mini Square.

“We were going to do the whole street in one shot, (but) then set about doing a detailed plan from Britannia Street down to Lower Baakens. That was then divided into further phases because of budget implications.

“If Strand Street works as an attraction point by having cars park there and people accessing it from the train station, from the bus station and from the (taxi rank) at the bottom (of Russell Road), you’re going to pull people through into Govan Mbeki Avenue,” Sapere said.

Phase one was to be from the base of the Campanile, but this was changed to closer to the other side of Strand Street due to budgetary considerations.

“We really are only opening up Jetty Street at the moment and looking at improved access for people arriving in Strand Street, by public transport or train or buses, and to create a better transit between Strand Street and Govan Mbeki Avenue,” she said.

Part of the old deck has been removed and part left because the bus terminus still needs to operate underneath. Parts of the bus shelter will be open to the elements, enabling fumes to be naturally circulated out of the bus station. Half of the deck, from the underground exit of Traduna Mall, including the old heritage Victorian building, the art deco heritage building, and the heritage Campanile Hotel, will now be open to the sky.

The existing ramp will remain at the lower level, and people will still be able to follow the usual route up the side of Jetty Street. There will also be a staircase.

Disabled access will be through the lifts in Kwantu Towers and the handicapped will be able to move easily through the whole system.

At the bottom of the stairs it is planned to erect a fountain, but because of the drought this plan is in abeyance.

“At the moment it is planned for the base of a non-functional fountain feature to be built until the drought is over. The exact nature of the feature has not yet been decided upon.

“The half of the deck left in place next to Kwantu Towers will provide access to the side entrance to Kwantu Towers and to the shops.

“That will be reinstated once work is finished so people will still be able to access all the shops along the side of Kwantu Towers,” Sapere said.

“We would like to see artwork commemorating the struggle on the pillars or walls because the ‘Freedom Journey’ starts at the Campanile and this will be important telling the story of what happened from 1820 to the current day. The Campanile was built to celebrate the arrival of the settlers in the city and it ... also marks the start of (the path to) a new (era). It’s a much brighter place to walk and to be.”


The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=535108)

There are some pics with the article on the sites, the first shows the crap that I have to get through everyday with the bus. At the moment the stadion is a nightmare. It's designed to work with 6 platforms, they currently have 2 open. This causes huge delays, I really can't wait till the construction is done. Sadly there is still no update on the busses, the first one should have been here in January already.

From today's Herald:

NELSON Mandela Bay’s Bus Rapid Transit project is on track, but a number of issues including the payment system and what hours the buses will run still need to be addressed before the start of the Fifa World Cup in June.

This assurance from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality follows on BRT project insiders claiming the delay due to violent protests from the taxi industry and ensuing lengthy negotiations had meant the original project plan would not be delivered.

Because of this, the project is now focused on completing just the routes to and around the stadium, they said.

But municipal spokesman Kupido Baron says all BRT construction work will be complete by the beginning of May. Full use of the pavements would then be possible.

Twenty-four articulated buses and one regular single-coach bus would be delivered to operate on the route for the World Cup, he said.

However, the tender for the buses’ smart card payment system has not yet been advertised. Baron said the municipality would place a call for tenders “soon enough” to appoint a company to manage the smart card payment system.

Asked about the hours buses would run, Baron said it was not necessary for them to operate on a 24-hour basis as “the city is not like other big cities where people travel throughout the night”.

Operating hours would be discussed by the municipality following the awarding of the smart card contract, he said.

Baron said taxi and bus operators would jointly own the management of Port Elizabeth’s BRT system. However he admitted that no final decision had been taken on this.

He said the municipality was negotiating with public transport operators about training lessons for drivers, communication with foreigners, and professional driving permits. The mayoral committee is set to meet BRT stakeholders this week to discuss any outstanding aspects of the system.

Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage District Taxi Association chairman Melekile Hani said he was “impressed and happy” with BRT progress, but admitted to concerns relating to the taxi industry’s role.

Hani said: “We’ve been negotiating with the municipality to train our drivers not only on driving but also on providing good service to the visitors. But the metro’s Fifa 2010 transport officials prefer experienced Algoa Bus drivers to operate the BRT buses.

“Government introduced the system for taxi operators. That is why we will control Port Elizabeth’s BRT. Algoa Bus Company should continue to operate as normal.

DA councillor Isaac Adam said road networks linked to the stadium were complete, except Fettes Road.

Adams expects this to be completed before the tournament, but raised concerns about Harrower and Kempston roads.

With only three months until the World Cup kicked off, he said, the completion of these roads was “a concern”.


The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=536613)

I really hope that they can get this sorted out, PE needs a BRT system.

^^ the need to action everything as urgent.

More threats from a taxi boss in PE:

AN explosive e-mail sent by controversial Nelson Mandela Bay taxi boss Melekile Hani, in which he crudely threatens to derail the city’s Bus Rapid Transit project, has left his colleagues stunned.
In the e-mail, which is in response to a simple notification about a change in date for a meeting, a ranting Hani says he is “tired of being f****d around by white racist officials and consultants who have no intention of transforming ... black owned business”.
“Your racist attitude and consistent undermining (of) our intellect has to come to a stop ... we will not allow you to do as you please ... Take it from me there will be no f****n 2010 public transport service without a meaningful participation of the taxi industry,” says the e-mail.
Hani, a municipal housing department official, was the mastermind behind violent taxi strikes against the BRT project last year. He was suspended by the municipality but later reinstated, and also faced a murder charge dating back 15 years which was recently dropped after a key state witness refused to testify out of fear for his life.
Hani’s tirade was in response to an e-mail sent to at least 20 people, notifying them of a change of date from February 25 to February 26, of an integrated public transport system working group committee workshop at Helen Joseph House (Pleinhuis).
The workshop was arranged to plan public transport needs during World Cup matches in Port Elizabeth.
Hani acknowledged yesterday that he had written the e-mail in response to Roy Bowman’s invitation to the meeting.
Bowman is the principal specialist at SSI Engineering and Consultants, one of the companies contracted by the municipality.
However he refused to comment further, saying the municipality was dealing with the matter internally.
Hani said yesterday that “the transport system is not going to take place until we finalise the issue of (a) 40% stake on BRT work to be given to the taxi industry”.
“Also, we want the 25 buses that the municipality is planning to use beyond 2010 to be operational during the World Cup to ensure that the system runs smoothly.”
He said the inflammatory correspondence was prompted by Bowman’s “tendency of wanting to backtrack on resolutions that had been taken regarding the taxi industry’s demands. I wrote that letter because Bowman wanted to include other public transport service providers such as Greyhound, Algoa Bus and others.”
A source who received the e-mail, and requested anonymity for safety reasons, said he was shocked by how Hani had “unnecessarily and rudely” responded to the invitation. “I was really rattled, because in the e-mail, the guy sounds really threatening.
“With this kind of attitude, his intention really is to drag the public transport system into the gutter. A lot has been reported about him and he comes across as someone who can do serious damage.”
The source said the meeting was intended to ensure all stakeholders came up with a co-ordinated plan. Instead, it was being jeopardised by a “self-centred individual” who “only wants to fulfill his ill-informed intentions”, said the source.
Most of those who received the e-mail refused to comment, instead referring the matter to the municipality, but city spokesman Kupido Baron also refused to comment.

The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=537727)

This whole refusing comment crap needs to end. An entire city cannot be held ransom by a tyrant like this. why is he stil working for the municipality

any maps?

Taxi boss and municipal official??

any maps?

I have a pdf file of the WC transport plan, I'll try and post that as a pic later when I get home. I also have the pdf of the original transport plan, but that's huge and most of that won't be finished for years.

Update, pics as prosmised. I had to cut the pdf up so this is the map in 3 parts:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/transport1.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/transport2.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/transport3.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e160/crazydude22/transportkey.jpg

Sorry, not sure how to make the pics bigger. You should be able to see them on my photobucket page: http://s39.photobucket.com/home/crazydude22/index

More problems incoming:

THE future of the Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS, previously Bus Rapid Transit) hung in the balance last night following the arrest of taxi forum chairman Melekile Hani on Thursday. The possibility of a strike has not been ruled out.
Hani is due to appear in court this morning on a charge of attempted murder.
Taxi forum spokesman Mathemba Mqalo said last night that if Hani was not released, the forum would consult its constituency on whether to continue with negotiations with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality around the operations of the IPTS.
The implication if the forum’s constituency halts negotiations would probably be a strike that would have an extremely negative effect on both the economy of the Bay and also on the lives of thousands of commuters.
Mqalo said the meeting of the forum with the municipality – known as the task team – scheduled for last Thursday and Friday had been critical, as a memorandum of understanding had been scheduled to be signed providing for agreement on a wide range of issues.
These included the leasing of the 25 buses now on order for the IPTS to the taxi industry for the duration of the World Cup and afterwards.
In addition, details regarding the allocation of 40% of the IPTS value chain were also set to be signed.
Mqalo said the meetings had not taken place because “certain elements” were not happy with the agreement as “they would no longer have a stake”. Politicians, he claimed were “directly involved because of their business interests”.
The taxi forum is also angry at the manner in which Hani was arrested, claiming that the police had “disturbed a high-profile meeting as if they were part of the old apartheid system”.
Mqalo said Hani had been handled as if he was “a dangerous criminal”. Forum members were also angry that they had not been allowed to visit him “as if he is being held in detention without trial”.
He said the arrest of Hani was clearly “a ploy” to derail the negotiations, which are set to continue on Thursday if Hani is released.
What made the forum suspicious, he said, was the timing of the arrest, especially as the offence was allegedly committed in January.


The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=541812)

The taxis were in strike this morning, and also threatened the busses. So thanks to one idiot PE had virtually no public transport this morning. The sooner they get the BRT done the better for everyone.

They look really cool. Are those buses from Europe or the USA, as the doors are on the 'wrong' sides of the buses.

We need high boarding doors on the right, and low boarding on the left.

Those buses are from Mexico City and Guadalajara (Mexico) :)

thanks

The bus

http://erez.llr.se/erez4/cache/VBC_Global_Assets_hidden_82881db997393e2e.jpg

^^^^

Cool have any news on whether they will be in PE in time. I've tried asking NMB 2010 directorate, and they are non-commital.

They so beautiful, I would go for those over Rea Vaya buses.

The bus

http://erez.llr.se/erez4/cache/VBC_Global_Assets_hidden_82881db997393e2e.jpg

hahahahaha they came from Brazil? Marcopolo? Just because they wrote Africa do Sul in portuguese.

hahahahaha they came from Brazil? Marcopolo? Just because they wrote Africa do Sul in portuguese.

Yes, they are made by Marcopolo in Brazil. A large part of Algoa Bus' (PE's bus campany) fleet are Marcopolo busses.

From the Nelson Mandela Bay website:

Road to 2010

By Keith Mitchell

Nelson Mandela Bay football fans will be provided with safe and easily accessible, special public transport during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, in addition to the normal public transport currently available in the city.

These additional services, which will be provided for the duration of the event from 11 June to 11 July 2010, have been specifically designed to cater for spectators at the stadium and at the Fan Fest at St George’s Park.

To ensure fans are provided with safe transport, all vehicles and drivers will be accredited and will have to comply with rigid safety standards and specifications. Fares will be charged on these services, however the price has not yet been finalised.

The overlay services will include special shuttle services between key destinations, including the airport, stadium, beachfront accommodation, intercity Transport Hub at Kings Beach, Fan Fest and park ‘n ride locations. On match days, extra shuttles will be provided to serve spectators traveling to and from the stadium.

The vehicles that will be used include approximately 60 buses - and 160 minibuses that will be sourced from the local public transport industry – which will be specially branded as 2010 services, for clear identification. In addition, the municipality has purchased 24 articulated buses that will be managed and operated during the course of the event by the recently registered Laph’Umilanga Transport Services Secondary Cooperative-Ltd. The articulated buses will later be used as part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s long-term Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS).

The IPTS, formerly known as BRT, will not be ready for operations during the World Cup, although some buses may use the bus lanes that have recently been constructed.

Basic services will be provided 24 hours on some routes, for example from the airport to beachfront accommodation, while Fan Fest services will operate from 09h00 to 01h00, depending on the demand.

On match days, stadium services will operate approximately six hours before kick-off to about four hours after games end. These services to the stadium will be provided from the airport, Kings Beach Transport Hub, beachfront accommodation, and the park ‘n rides at the Fan Fest and Andrew Rabie School. These services will operate to and from the shuttle pick up and drop off points in Harrower Road – between Kipling and Mount Roads. Clear signage will also be provided for pedestrians from the stadium to the public transport loading points.

People with special needs will be served by ten specially adapted vehicles, which will transport them directly to and from a designated stadium entrance. In addition, wheelchair ramps will be provided at each transport site. Also, a Disability Helpdesk, which will operate from the Transport Operation Centre (TOC) will co-ordinate transport and all other needs of people with disabilities. It will have direct control and contact with the assigned vehicles. The TOC will also function as a call centre for all transport related queries.

With regards to road signage, temporary 2010 yellow and black signage that complies with national standards is currently being erected throughout the metro and on all routes leading to main 2010 venues, such as the stadium, Fan Fest, airport and Kings Beach Hub. Further communication will be provided closer to the event to explain the meaning of the signage.

On match days, road closures will be implemented within a Traffic Warning Zone surrounding the stadium, in order to limit traffic through the area. There will also be an inner Traffic Free Zone around the stadium – including Milner Avenue and Fettes and Prince Alfred roads. Traffic control points will be in operation from five hours prior to kick-off to six hours after matches end.

Only residents and businesses (including employees, customers and service providers), religious institutions and special FIFA groups will be allowed access into the Traffic Warning Zone. Vehicle Access Parking Permits (VAPPS) will be issued to all of the aforementioned categories and affected parties at permit issuing stations. Details on the application of permits are being communicated via public participation meetings.

Tour groups that do not have dedicated parking permits and VAPPS will not be permitted to enter the stadium precinct. It is therefore recommended that these groups use park ‘n rides and relevant shuttles to the stadium.

With regards to parking, special park ‘n ride facilities will be provided at Andrew Rabie School, Kings Beach and at St George’s Park on match days, where ticket holders can park their vehicles and then be ferried by public transport vehicles to the stadium. Security, ambulances, food and beverages and portable toilets will be provided at these venues.

The Andrew Rabie School park ‘n ride, which will only operate on match days will open six hours before kick-off and four hours after matches end. Spectators will be transported to the stadium from three hours before each match. The St George’s Park park ‘n ride will offer daily routes to Kings Beach, beachfront hotels, the airport, as well as to the stadium on match days.

Parking for disabled people will be provided alongside the Park Drive bowling club, from where shuttles will operate to and from the stadium.

Also, in order to enhance efficiency, approximately 400 volunteers will be utilised during the event to assist with traffic management, parking and information etc.

With regards to the construction of infrastructure, numerous main routes have been upgraded and widened, sidewalks constructed and paving and landscaping completed throughout the city.

With just 37 days (Subs - from tomorrow Tuesday) to go to kick-off, we are confident that the special transport and normal public transport that will be provided during the World Cup will meet the requirements as stipulated by FIFA, and will be both sufficient and efficient in meeting the needs of our visitors and residents.

ENDS

Keith Mitchell is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Acting Public Transport Officer for the Transport Planning: Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate.

source (http://www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za/fifaworldcup/News.aspx?objID=-1&cmd=view&id=216)

Melekile Hani, the taxi boss who was causing problems with the BRT system, was shot on Friday:

CONTROVERSIAL Nelson Mandela Bay taxi boss Melekile Hani, 47, died in a hail of bullets while socialising with friends at a New Brighton tavern in a suspected revenge attack.
Hani was shot four times after two gunmen burst into the Sevens Tavern in Nibe Street, New Brighton, on Friday night.
Six other men thought to have been sitting at the table in the tavern with Hani, were wounded, three of them seriously.
An unidentified man – believed to be one of the gunmen – was found dead less than 100m from the tavern.
Police believe he was wounded in the crossfire, dragged out of the tavern and shot in the head by his accomplice.
They are still unravelling details of the double killing. Late on Friday night, forensics experts and detectives cordoned off the tavern and combed the area for clues.
Hani worked as a municipal housing department official and was a key player in the taxi strikes against the Integrated Public Transport Network and System (IPTS). He was also chairman of the Border Alliance Taxi Association.
He was under investigation by police for several cases, including one of attempted murder which led to his dramatic arrest in March during a meeting on transport plans for the World Cup. He had previously been accused of murder but the case was withdrawn due to lack of evidence.
His death is not expected to have an impact on transport plans for the World Cup or taxi services in Mandela Bay.
A police source said a report had been received of a shooting at the tavern at about 10.30pm on Friday. “Two men with guns entered the tavern and walked straight over to the table where Hani and a few friends were sitting,” he said. “The men then drew their guns and fired several shots.”
Hani was shot three times in the chest and once in the stomach. “He died in the tavern. A man believed to be one of the two shooters was found dead nearby.”
In total, about 28 shots were fired from two revolvers and a 9mm pistol. One of the shooters was hit in the neck and twice in the stomach in the crossfire.
“Residents called the police after the incident. They found a body lying about 100m from the tavern,” the source said.
Two .38 special revolvers were recovered at the scene. However, the 9mm pistol was not found.
“One revolver was found next to Hani in the tavern and the other next to the body about 100m from the incident,” the source said.
Provincial police spokesman Marinda Mills confirmed that one of the shooters was wounded in the crossfire. However, police were looking at the possibility that someone else in the tavern had shot at the attackers. “People saw the one man assist his wounded colleague out of the tavern and shoot him in the head,” she said.
It is thought the suspect might have been killed because the other gunman feared he would reveal details relating to the murder to the police.
His identity has not yet been established.
Police are still searching for the other shooter.
“No one is sure if the other man was wounded in the shoot-out,” the police source said.
One of the firearms has been linked to an armed robbery in Cape Town. The investigation has been handed over to the Hawks.
Following Hani’s death, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Taxi Forum reaffirmed their commitment to the IPTS, which will be operational in time for the World Cup.
Forum leaders, including Luvuyo Figlan, said there was no turning back on the transport system.The taxi forum said the IPTS was not centred around a person but around all of those involved in the public transport industry.
A public signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the metro and the taxi forum will go ahead tomorrow as planned.
Commuters were also assured that Hani’s death would not affect taxi services. The municipality and the taxi forum has condemned the killing and jointly stated that “violence of any form will not be condoned”.
The office of Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile is in contact with the SAPS and is being briefed on the investigation. “We are confident the SAPS will get to the bottom of this and bring those who are responsible to book,” Wayile said.
“At the same time, we must allow the SAPS the space to do their work, while we continue our work to bring a reliable, affordable and safe public transport system to the Bay.”
Hani family spokesman Zoliswa Hani said they had received condolence messages from Wayile and provincial members of the SACP, Samwu, Cosatu and members of the SA National Taxi Association Council (Santaco) who had visited Hani’s house in Charlo at the weekend.
“The whole family is still in shock but we are trying to be strong.” Zoliswa saod.
SACP regional spokesman Chumani Gqheke said Hani was a true leader who had played a crucial role in transforming the taxi industry.
“This is a great loss for all us but we need to pick up from where he left off,” he said.
Details of Hani’s memorial service and funeral will be announced today.
He leaves behind his parents, wife, five siblings and three children.

The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=563594)

Good grief. What ever happened to civility?

wow, what a country..

PE has it's first bus: http://www.facebook.com/NMB2010

I saw it today on my way home, but wasn't quick enough to take a picture. It seems like a really low key launch, I didn't see any announcement for this. Hopefully I can get some pics soon, but there is one pic on the FB page.

From what I saw the bus is white, and branded with the Nelson Mandela Bay logo and signs.

THE BRT line will be up for the WC?

Beautiful, I like the desing. CT and Jozi don't come close at all in terms of the looks.

^^ I agree. That bus is beautiful!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs298.snc3/28585_392179314698_58539894698_3902544_7726209_n.jpg

- http://www.facebook.com/NMB2010#!/photo.php?pid=3902544&id=58539894698

Definitely. Goes to show how fail our design down here is. A solid colour can look nice.

Nelson Mandela Bay Transportation - Road to 2010

Road to 2010

By Keith Mitchell

Nelson Mandela Bay football fans will be provided with safe and easily accessible, special public transport during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, in addition to the normal public transport currently available in the city.

These additional services, which will be provided for the duration of the event from 11 June to 11 July 2010, have been specifically designed to cater for spectators at the stadium and at the Fan Fest at St George’s Park.

To ensure fans are provided with safe transport, all vehicles and drivers will be accredited and will have to comply with rigid safety standards and specifications. Fares will be charged on these services, however the price has not yet been finalised.

The overlay services will include special shuttle services between key destinations, including the airport, stadium, beachfront accommodation, intercity Transport Hub at Kings Beach, Fan Fest and park ‘n ride locations. On match days, extra shuttles will be provided to serve spectators traveling to and from the stadium.

The vehicles that will be used include approximately 60 buses - and 160 minibuses that will be sourced from the local public transport industry – which will be specially branded as 2010 services, for clear identification. In addition, the municipality has purchased 24 articulated buses that will be managed and operated during the course of the event by the recently registered Laph’Umilanga Transport Services Secondary Cooperative-Ltd. The articulated buses will later be used as part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s long-term Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS).

The IPTS, formerly known as BRT, will not be ready for operations during the World Cup, although some buses may use the bus lanes that have recently been constructed.

Basic services will be provided 24 hours on some routes, for example from the airport to beachfront accommodation, while Fan Fest services will operate from 09h00 to 01h00, depending on the demand.

On match days, stadium services will operate approximately six hours before kick-off to about four hours after games end. These services to the stadium will be provided from the airport, Kings Beach Transport Hub, beachfront accommodation, and the park ‘n rides at the Fan Fest and Andrew Rabie School. These services will operate to and from the shuttle pick up and drop off points in Harrower Road – between Kipling and Mount Roads. Clear signage will also be provided for pedestrians from the stadium to the public transport loading points.

People with special needs will be served by ten specially adapted vehicles, which will transport them directly to and from a designated stadium entrance. In addition, wheelchair ramps will be provided at each transport site. Also, a Disability Helpdesk, which will operate from the Transport Operation Centre (TOC) will co-ordinate transport and all other needs of people with disabilities. It will have direct control and contact with the assigned vehicles. The TOC will also function as a call centre for all transport related queries.

With regards to road signage, temporary 2010 yellow and black signage that complies with national standards is currently being erected throughout the metro and on all routes leading to main 2010 venues, such as the stadium, Fan Fest, airport and Kings Beach Hub. Further communication will be provided closer to the event to explain the meaning of the signage.

On match days, road closures will be implemented within a Traffic Warning Zone surrounding the stadium, in order to limit traffic through the area. There will also be an inner Traffic Free Zone around the stadium – including Milner Avenue and Fettes and Prince Alfred roads. Traffic control points will be in operation from five hours prior to kick-off to six hours after matches end.

Only residents and businesses (including employees, customers and service providers), religious institutions and special FIFA groups will be allowed access into the Traffic Warning Zone. Vehicle Access Parking Permits (VAPPS) will be issued to all of the aforementioned categories and affected parties at permit issuing stations. Details on the application of permits are being communicated via public participation meetings.

Tour groups that do not have dedicated parking permits and VAPPS will not be permitted to enter the stadium precinct. It is therefore recommended that these groups use park ‘n rides and relevant shuttles to the stadium.

With regards to parking, special park ‘n ride facilities will be provided at Andrew Rabie School, Kings Beach and at St George’s Park on match days, where ticket holders can park their vehicles and then be ferried by public transport vehicles to the stadium. Security, ambulances, food and beverages and portable toilets will be provided at these venues.

The Andrew Rabie School park ‘n ride, which will only operate on match days will open six hours before kick-off and four hours after matches end. Spectators will be transported to the stadium from three hours before each match. The St George’s Park park ‘n ride will offer daily routes to Kings Beach, beachfront hotels, the airport, as well as to the stadium on match days.

Parking for disabled people will be provided alongside the Park Drive bowling club, from where shuttles will operate to and from the stadium.

Also, in order to enhance efficiency, approximately 400 volunteers will be utilised during the event to assist with traffic management, parking and information etc.

With regards to the construction of infrastructure, numerous main routes have been upgraded and widened, sidewalks constructed and paving and landscaping completed throughout the city.

With just 37 days (Subs - from tomorrow Tuesday) to go to kick-off, we are confident that the special transport and normal public transport that will be provided during the World Cup will meet the requirements as stipulated by FIFA, and will be both sufficient and efficient in meeting the needs of our visitors and residents.

ENDS

Keith Mitchell is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Acting Public Transport Officer for the Transport Planning: Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate.

*facepalm*

14 more busses arrived in east london yesterday and will now be brought to pe. Report in this mornings herald but I am not sure if its on their website.

From yesterday's Herald:

THE first phase of an ambitious new public transport system for Nelson Mandela Bay was launched yesterday with the opening of bus- dedicated lanes from Govan Mbeki Avenue to Kempston Road.
The launch of the Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) – a prerequisite for the World Cup – was held at the Mfanasekhaya Gqobose (former Eric Tindale) Building near the Russell Road start of the bus and taxi lane system.
It was attended by Nelson Mandela Bay Deputy Mayor Nancy Sihlwayi, acting municipal manager Elias Ntoba and Eastern Cape Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC Ghishma Barry, among other dignitaries.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Taxi Forum’s Albert Camphor and municipal acting public transport officer Keith Mitchell also attended the occasion.
Mitchell, who gave a technical presentation on the IPTS lanes, said the bus routes launched yesterday stretched from Govan Mbeki Avenue to Kempston Road.
He said the Stanford Road- Cleary Park route would be launched “shortly after the World Cup”, adding “proper bus stations” would also be built between the lanes after the tournament ended in mid-July.
Barry said the provincial administration had played “a big role” in making sure an agreement was reached on the IPTS between the municipality and the taxi industry.
A memorandum of understanding between the two parties, signed in front of the City Hall two weeks ago, culminated in the handing over of 25 buses to the taxi industry.
“This agreement does not exist anywhere else in the country at this point in time,” said Barry. Because regional taxi boss Melekile Hani was dead, it did not mean “we are going to abandon” the taxi industry.
The MEC urged the public to support the IPTS as it would benefit the province’s tourism industry, adding: “The roads that have not yet been completed are not of major importance for the World Cup.”
Barry also highlighted the long-term benefits of the IPTS, which included:
Sustainable and frequent peak and off-peak period public transport;
Improved travelling times for all users;
Reduction in pollution; and
A world-class public transport system “which Nelson Mandela Bay can be proud of”.
Camphor said it had always been his dream to see the industry “formalised” when he entered it about 20 years ago. But when the “BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system” was introduced, “we were all up in arms with it because we thought: ‘Now this is the end of us’.”
He thanked the municipality for including taxi operators in the IPTS, because the public transport system “is nothing without us”.
Had the industry not been included, things would not have worked out the way they did, Camphor added.
Municipal spokesman Luncedo Njezula, who dubbed the launch an “auspicious occasion”, said: “We are building a world (class) city here... (PE) is a revolutionary city.”

The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=568439)

From today's Herald:

TRAFFIC chaos erupted on the first working day of Nelson Mandela Bay’s Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) yesterday with at least two pedestrians being run over amid widespread confusion over the workings of the newly launched lanes.
This comes after the first phase of the IPTS – dedicated routes for public transport vehicles stretching the length of Govan Mbeki Avenue from Russell Road to Ambrose Street – was launched in the city on Sunday, as a prerequisite for the Fifa World Cup.
Witnesses saw at least two pedestrians knocked over in North End and Sidwell with one of them being run over by a minibus taxi driving in the dedicated bus lane near Pier 14 Shopping Centre.
In the other incident, a 25-year-old man was walking on a pavement when a minibus taxi en route to the CBD struck him with its mirror. Police spokesman Warrant Officer Alwin Labans said the man was slightly hurt.
A Port Elizabeth businessman who witnessed the accident but did not want to be named, said traffic lights directing private vehicles on the left-hand lane and public transport vehicles in the right lane had caused confusion among motorists.
“The robots nearly caused someone to drive into me. I thought there was something wrong with the robots because they go green and red at the same time. I thought it was only buses which were going to use the lanes.”
Joe Davis Locksmiths employee Khanya Dlanjwa said he had found it difficult adjusting to the new system.
“It’s very difficult when you approach the traffic lights. Some go green and others red at the same time, so you get confused whether to drive on or stop.”
Dlanjwa said a motorist almost crashed into him while he was driving near his place of employment in North End.
The Herald also witnessed numerous taxis driving through red traffic lights.
Municipal spokesman Luncedo Njezula said: “It is important to remind motorists that the dedicated public transport lanes are now open for use by commuter public transport vehicles. Private vehicles are excluded from accessing these lanes.
“The municipality would also like to appeal to pedestrians to pay particular care when crossing these lanes as they are now in use. In most cases, the existing traffic signals had to be removed and replaced by this new design, incorporating bus, taxi and private vehicular traffic.”
Njezula said that from a distance, drivers might interpret the red bus signal as a normal red traffic light in the middle of the road. This would conflict with the green traffic signal on the left-hand side of the road intended for private vehicles.
“It is important for private vehicles to pay attention to the traffic lights on the left- hand side of the road as they are meant to direct private vehicles,” he said.
When The Herald visited Govan Mbeki Avenue yesterday morning there was widespread confusion. Traffic officers were directing traffic and pulling private vehicles off the bus lanes as well as issuing fines to alleged transgressors.
However, an officer at the scene denied that fines had been issued to any motorists.
“We merely pulled them off the (bus) lane and told them it’s reserved for public transport vehicles,” he said.
Njezula said they deployed traffic officers to Govan Mbeki Avenue “to make sure they direct traffic and assist with traffic flow. They will be assisting at the intersections throughout the week”. He was not aware of any fines issued.
Nelson Mandela Bay Taxi Forum spokesman Siyanda Mbanjwa said: “We have received one or two complaints regarding the lanes. But there is bound to be hiccups with any new system.”
He said it would be better if the municipality deployed more officers “so that everyone is on board”.
Mbanjwa urged the public to be “focused and patient” because the system being implemented was new.
Njezula said a continuous exercise of “information dissemination” through different media had started and would continue “so that everyone is properly informed of the new innovation”.
He added: “These (dedicated) lanes will help alleviate traffic congestion on normal lanes and help promote fast and easy access for commuters.
“The municipality appeals for patience and understanding from all road users.”

The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=569203)

There is also a video on the website, but I'm not sure how to link to that.

Where are the traffic officers? drivers wouldn't just be familiar with what is happening from the initial stage and they need guidance from the traffic officials.

^^^^

There were policemen there to help people out. If you watch the video on the Herald's site it shows that policemen are there directing people.

Also, some more BRT bus pics: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=174548&id=58539894698

From The Herald:

THE Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) in Nelson Mandela Bay would break even after seven or eight years and thereafter would be self- sustaining, Acting Public Transport Officer Keith Mitchell told the Infrastructure, Engineering and Electricity Committee yesterday.
He was speaking on the second working day of the system, where traffic chaos still reigned as taxi drivers and other motorists tried to adapt to the new lanes.
Mitchell said the roll-out of the whole system would begin in October and there would be an initial phase lasting three to five years. After this, a final contract would be signed between the metro and the five primary and one secondary co-operatives as well as the Algoa Bus Company (ABC) for a period of 12 years.
He said the taxi industry would have to reduce the current number of vehicles from an estimated 3200 to 1900 “fairly quickly” and wanted to “park” the vehicles rather than dispose of them in case the system “does not work and they want to withdraw”.
Mitchell said the initial contract should be signed by July 31.
Looking at the financial position, based on assumptions that passenger volumes would increase by 10% a year and fares by 5%, he said in the first year the loss would be R1.1-billion but that this would fall rapidly and be reduced to R74-million in the fifth year of operation.
In the first three- to five-year period, he said, 1700 of the oldest taxis would be recapitalised and replaced by larger vehicles and the ABC would replace its oldest 200 buses.
Outlining some of the challenges that remained, Mitchell said these included achieving an agreement with the National Department of Transport to pay the R8000 to taxi owners for each vehicle as a “profit guarantee”; problems as far as the Supply Chain Management provisions were concerned around the taxi forum’s demand for 40% of the value chain going to the secondary co-operative and legal questions around the operation of the new buses.
Several incidents involving taxi drivers and private cars were reported yesterday. Minibus taxi drivers travelling to the CBD accused the municipality of constructing narrow lanes that made it impossible for them to transport passengers to their destinations. Taxi driver Monwabisi Zitho said the designated bus and taxi stops were a distance from one another.
“We are forced to stop randomly because the stops are inconveniently situated in relation to the passengers’ places of work. That creates chaos for other drivers behind me because they have to wait until I’m finished loading or off-loading passengers.”
He said it was impossible to bypass a loading taxi on the newly launched lanes because they were too narrow.

Municipal spokesman Luncedo Njezula said they were dealing with the problems. “We have been liaising with taxi industry representatives and explained the lane system to them.
“People should remembers this is a new system and it will have challenges, but it is meant to promote safe public transport.”

The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=569795)

Not really BRT realted, but to do with PE's WC transport:

ALGOA Bus drivers have threatened to embark on a strike that could leave Fifa World Cup fans without transport to tournament venues around Nelson Mandela Bay.
Unions representing workers described the R10-a-day offer by the company to each driver transporting fans to World Cup venues as “a slap in the face”.
Company chief executive Sicelo Duze expressed surprise at the threat of industrial action over what he said was merely “an incentive” to Algoa employees and “done out of goodwill”.
“We have not violated any of the country’s labour laws, their conditions of service remain the same and they will still be paid overtime. This is just an incentive,” Duze said.
The impending protest by the drivers threatens to put the contract signed between Algoa Bus and the municipality in jeopardy and could result in thousands of fans being unable to reach the stadium, fan parks and other tournament venues.
The SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu), Transport and Allied Workers’ Union of SA (Tawusa) and Transport, Action, Retail and General Workers’ Union (Thor) accuse the company of failing to disclose the amount involved in its World Cup contract with the municipality.
“It is clear they want to derive more profit from the operation of the 50 buses contracted for 2010,” said Satawu provincial secretary Honest Sinama.
Tawusa spokesman Mzukisi Takayi said union members were not happy with the offer, which he described as “ridiculous”. That drivers were not to be paid overtime and there was no other incentive except the paltry R10 was “exploitation of the worst kind”.
“We want the company to tell us how much is involved in this contract,” Takayi said.
About 130 Algoa Bus drivers will be involved in the transportation of soccer fans to various venues connected with the World Cup.
Drivers who wanted to be considered for the offer were asked to fill in application forms for the company to select those it wanted to hire.
Municipal spokesman Luncedo Njezula confirmed the municipality had contracted buses and taxis to serve the city during the event, but did not reveal the amount involved in the contract with the Algoa Bus Company.

The Herald (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=570254)

Not BRT related, but WC transport related:

I just called PE's transport call centre, and wow, I think that we are going to have trouble on Saturday.

The good news first, busses are said to leave every 4 minutes.

Now for the bad news. The are now 2 sets of prices, it's R5 to take a park and ride in a taxi, and R10 to take a bus from the same park and ride. These prices are one way. What really gets me, is that they told me that you "simply pay as you get onto the bus", who the hell thought that that was a good idea. Now we are just going to have people holding others up as they pay and recieve their change.:ohno:

I think that they should have either made it free for ticket holders, or just sell 'transport tickets' through computicket, or at the park and rides, but not as you get onto the bus.

The person that I spoke to was also unable to tell me just how the busses will be marked, to tell you which park and ride they will go back to after the game. He said that he will have to phone me back to tell me, I'll be waiting.

I'm really glad that I'm only a 15 minute walk away from the stadium, as I can see serious trouble on Saturday. I hope it goes well, but I see a mess up. What really irritates me, is that this could work well with a little planning! :bash:

Any movement?

Any movement?

More lanes are being built, but the busses are standing in a parking garage. :(

When the buses were moved to their new secure area almost all the drivers were complaining that the lanes are to small because they kept hitting the sides or going over them in the bends.

Someone from the Taxi co-operative is being investigated for theft as he stole all the keys for the buses.

I bet this launches before Cape Town's IRT.

When the buses were moved to their new secure area almost all the drivers were complaining that the lanes are to small because they kept hitting the sides or going over them in the bends.

Someone from the Taxi co-operative is being investigated for theft as he stole all the keys for the buses.

The lanes are thin, but from specs I saw the busses do fit, it's quite a tight fit though.

@ Urban Rambler, I wouldn't bet on it. PE is very good at being slack. If we're lucky we may get this working by the 2017 AFCON. :bash:

Thanks for the info guys. The fact that there's construction taking place at the moment gives hope.

According to the PE Express, a small local paper, the buses will run from the end of March.

What??? Its been dead silent on this forever. Do u see them working on it?

We are still going nowhere:

THE Port Elizabeth Taxi Association yesterday rejected a last- minute attempt by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to resolve differences over implementing the delayed multibillion- rand Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS).

Taxi bosses said they did not trust mayor Zanoxolo Wayile to mediate in the ongoing dispute.

Municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron said municipal representatives had offered the services of an independent person to facilitate discussion and find common ground in the ongoing dispute.

The chairperson of the Port Elizabeth and District Taxi Association (Pedita), Mnikelo McDonald Ntantiso, said yesterday they did not wish to fight with government nor the municipality but were left with no other option since being excluded by the main taxi co-operative involved in the IPTS, Laphum’ilanga.

Judge Irma Schoeman yesterday postponed Pedita’s application to stop the roll-out of the buses to June 9.

The temporary bar on the IPTS roll-out remains in place.

Neither national government nor the municipality will oppose Pedita’s application until problems with Laphum’ilanga have been solved.

Baron said the municipality had filed a notice they would abide by the court’s decision.
“We are trying to have as little delay and disruption to the implementation of the IPTS as possible,” Baron said.

Laphum’ilanga, however, filed a notice of opposition but have given no reasons for this.

They have yet to answer to allegations in court papers that they have been set up in a way that will exclude most of the taxi operators in the Bay area from profiting from the IPTS.
Pedita claims to represent 45% of taxi operators in the area.

Ntantiso said attempts for months to engage Wayile in the matter had been fruitless.

“We understand their buses are gathering rust and dust. The dispute has dented the municipality’s image. It is not that we do not support the IPTS, but we want things to be done right,” he said.

He said they had, for now, rejected the municipality’s offer to mediate.

Baron stressed he municipality had not requested Wayile to mediate in the matter.

He said municipal representatives had tried “to find common ground with Pedita” in an effort to speed-up the IPTS roll-out.

The Herald (http://www.peherald.com/news/article/1008)

That is sad :(

That is sad :(

Like I said before, we'll probably get this done in time for the 2017 AFCON, probably. :(

so where to things stand now?

Some of the render plans of the stations and intermodal stations... any finished in real life??

http://www.thematrixcc.co.za/Modal%20Interchanges/MODAL%20INTERCHANGE%201.JPG

http://www.thematrixcc.co.za/Modal%20Interchanges/MODAL%20INTERCHANGE%202.JPG

http://www.thematrixcc.co.za/Modal%20Interchanges/MODAL%20INTERCHANGE%203.JPG

http://www.thematrixcc.co.za/Modal%20Interchanges/MODAL%20INTERCHANGE%204.JPG

http://www.thematrixcc.co.za/Modal%20Interchanges/MODAL%20INTERCHANGE%205.JPG

More thought obviously given to this than in Cape Town where design is taking place in silos. No park and rides, no attempts to integrate other modes...etc

Yes, maybe... but this no one still knows what is going on

Today's Weekend Post say that the busses will start running from 1 July. New routes are set to open in january next year. Hopefully this finally gets going.

I'll check for online sources to post.

Today's Weekend Post say that the busses will start running from 1 July. New routes are set to open in january next year. Hopefully this finally gets going.

I'll check for online sources to post.

I can't see this happening. Not at all. The bus lanes are in a terrible state. Although I hope that I can be proven wrong.

when i was in PE in March things were in a shocking state where the brt lanes were. it was a total joke. to turn this around will need proper management and planning, not announcements.

when i was in PE in March things were in a shocking state where the brt lanes were. it was a total joke. to turn this around will need proper management and planning, not announcements.

Precisely! The kerbsides are broken like everywhere, weeds growing all over the place... It would need a total refurb before letting ANY buses drive there. Disaster waiting to happen... :ohno:

Can we get some images please??

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss155/Waltjie/IMG-20120522-00005.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss155/Waltjie/IMG-20120522-00006.jpg

to have made a better point you should have taken photos from the lane where it is used as a parking spot for taxi busses on govan mbeki

^^ i will dig through my holiday pics from march, it was horrific, badly affected other traffic flow and in parts the barriers had already been broken

yeah i tried to find one in my own archive but i dont have one :(

Constructing is continuing, but:

AN unknown Nelson Mandela Bay Metro official allegedly authorised payments of more than R5-million, earmarked for the Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS), to other private parties instead.

According to a document handed to councillors at yesterday's council meeting, the municipality's legal department head, Mhleli Tshamase, has called for a forensic investigation into the suspicious payments.

The money had been budgeted to go to Laphu'milanga Transport Services, a company which represents the taxi associations involved in the IPTS.

Instead, R4.6-million was paid to Cape Town-based music festival organisers ESP Afrika, and R560000 as a consultancy agreement to a Ms JA Wessels, according to the document.

"Laphu'milanga directors deny knowledge of the payments and so do these service providers," it read. "And it's strange that municipal officials could process payment of Laphu'milanga funds without the approval of the chief financial officer and the acting municipal manager." – Rochelle de Kock

The Herald (http://www.peherald.com/news/article/8197)

The only good news is that the busses still work. I saw one on the freeway on Friday. I think it was just a test run though, no passengers.

Would love to see this finished.

^^ Something must be afoot in council! Tip of the iceberg of maladministration? How can Cape Town be building trunk routes and stations all over the show in their BRT, have numerous routes running for ages now, but in PE, things are so damn slow.

They both applied for Nat'l Treasury funding at the same time before the World Cup 2010! This is really sad. Hope they get their act together.

at this rate the durban system which online goes live in 2016 will be ahead of this. why so much silence on the problems?

Big news today:

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has unveiled its bus station concept design that will form part of the city's Intergrated Public Transport System.

Municipality spokesperson, Luncedo Njezula, says the bus station concept is part of the roll-out of the infrastructure for the IPTS.

See the full statement and concept design below:

NMBM UNVEILS IPTS BUS STATION CONCEPT DESIGN

The IPTS system is an integrated network of road-based public transport services that are contracted by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and which include exclusive use of median lanes and enclosed median route stations on trunk corridors, as well as defined feeder routes that integrate with the trunk services. The route stations are designed to accommodate both articulated and solo busses to operate during peak traffic hours.

This inscription serves to respond to provide insight onto the planning and implementation of the IPTS:

1.Reasons why the adopted bus station design was selected

The stations were selected and are designed in various lengths differing from a single station (20mx3m), double station (40mx3m) which can accommodate two articulated busses, and a combination of both single and double with an inter-linking walkway along with a wider (40mx5.1m) shelter. All were specifically designed to accommodate the Volvo low floor busses. The facades had to be transparent to allow for maximum visibility to the user of the busses, thus resulting in a structure that is light and modular.

The extensive use of glass in the design is to allow passengers clear visibility of approaching busses. Stations are naturally ventilated with glazing stopping short of floor level as well as high level louvers - just below ceiling level. Triangular perforated aluminium sheeting, fitted externally between columns will assist with solar shading; these can be omitted where there is no direct sunlight affecting the station.

The nature of the transport system has led to the stations being both elongated and modular by design. This overall length has been broken down by vertical structural columns, which end within a continuous slim line fascia board. This fascia board also provides a location for the possible future incorporation of photovoltaic cells. Ticketing and toilet facilities for staff have been treated as a separate element and centrally positioned at the entrance to each station.

Each station will be identified by a 3 legged 'totem sign' located where the two pedestrian crossings meet the central median, leading up to the entrance of the station. This totem will serve as a location for station naming signage, for locating a video surveillance camera, for mounting of the BSU and as a lightening conductor. A 6000 litre rain-water harvesting tank is also located below the central median and can be used for cleaning down the stations.

The subtle colour scheme of the IPTS stations have been derived from the NMBM corporate colours (NMBM logo). The earthy red will be the key colour element and is used on the continuous fascia board. Golden yellow has been used as a focal point to the bulkhead above the main entrance, station signage and in the tactile pavers for the visually impaired.

The aqua Blue has been subtly introduced to the area's surrounding perforated sheeting within the signage totem and to the sides of the main entrance.

2.Reasons for different types of stations

The 20 metre station can accommodate one articulated bus per direction. These stations will be constructed at stops where the passenger demand is relatively low.

At busier stops such as Lillian Diedericks, Pier 14, Law Courts and ultimately the stations at the intersection of Kempston and Stanford Roads; the 40 metre station will be constructed that is; where the number of potential passenger movements is high and two articulated buses, in one direction, can stop at the same time.

3.Brief description on how the stations will operate

3.1. Pilot Services

At most station sites there will be no station structures built during the pilot operational services stage. The platforms will be controlled by platform staff and passenger relations staff, to assist with passenger queries, to assist with direction finding, loading, off-loading and security officials. The numbers of these officials and staff members are still being determined.





3.2. Ultimate IPTS Operations

During these operations, passengers will approach the station by crossing the road at the fully marked pedestrian crossing. When getting to the median the passenger will pass the symbol that indicates the station name. Walking up a low ramp, specially engineered to allow easy access for persons with special needs. On approach into the entrance of the station the passengers will be able to purchase or recharge their travel smartcard at the ticket kiosk located at the entrance to the station. On the facades and walls all the IPTS system route maps, timetables, fare structures and usage rules will be prominently displayed in simple language/s and pictograms.

Those passengers who have valid smartcards will proceed directly to the turnstiles, one of which is large enough for a person in a wheelchair to comfortably access. Touch the smartcard on the reader and walk directly into the interior of the station.

Variable message signs adjacent to each door to the buses will indicate how many minutes to the next bus including the route and destination of the bus. The floor of the station will be marked with tactile paving to assist special needs persons to direct them to the proximity of the correct doors that will align with the correct door on the bus. There will be station passenger relations staff to assist passengers with special needs and those who require any assistance or information.

Security personnel will also be inside the station to enhance safety and security. The security person will also be trained to administer first aid if required. All station staff will be trained in emergency procedures to ensure that the passengers are safe at all times. Emergency exit doors for use to evacuate the station in the event of an emergency at most of the stations will be located at the end opposite the turnstiles. This is of course taking into consideration that busier stations will have turnstiles at both ends.

When a bus approaches a voice announcement will inform all persons in the station of the route of the bus and the destination and what platform or doors will be used. When the bus stops and opens its doors; the station door will simultaneously automatically open. Disembarking passengers will get off first before on boarding take place.

The passengers are advised that when disembarking the bus to quickly vacate the area around the station doors to allow embarking passengers to board the bus. Follow the direction signage to the exit turnstiles, touch your smartcard on the reader and quickly exit the station and cross the road at the marked pedestrian crossings.

4. Station localities and costs

The stations will be strategically located based on the planning process undertaken and on passenger demand. The stations will be incrementally constructed as the system expands. The following are the ultimate operations Phase 1 bus stations locations:
Kempston Road

"General Motors Gate 4, 60m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"Berrys Corner, 60m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"Hoch Street, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Harrower/Stanford Road Intersection, 80m shelter, 2nd pedestrian crossing at Essex Street.

1). Pedestrian crossing at centre of shelter to be confirmed and one sided only.
2). Mid-section of shelter to be covered.
3). At mid-section through access to be provided with exit only for passengers

"Harrower Road

"Gibbuad Street, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Cadburys, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Fettes Road

"Stadium entrance, 40m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"Prince Alfred Traffic Circle, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Govan Mbeki Avenue

"Korsten Street, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Pier 14, 80m shelter with future extension to 2 x 60m shelters, 3 x pedestrian crossings with a crossing at mid-section

"Law Courts(Graham Street), 60m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"Bagshaw Street, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Uitenhage/Grahamstown Rd Intersection, 40m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"Boswell Street, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Ambrose Street, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

Stanford Road

"Chrissie Street, 60m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"New Bolt/ Drew Street, 40m shelter, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Ablett/Livingstone Hospital, 60m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"Aubrey Street, 40m shelter, 5m wide, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Beetlestone Street, 40m shelter, 5m wide, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Springbok/Gail Street, 40m shelter, 5m wide, mid-block, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"Hartebees Street, 40m shelter, 5m wide, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"3rd Avenue(St. Kevin's), 40m shelter, 2 x pedestrian crossings

"Future shelters

"Bramlin BRT intersection with Stanford Rd, 40m shelter, 5m wide, 1 x pedestrian crossing

"3rd Avenue/ University Street, 40m shelter, 5m wide, mid-block, 1 x pedestrian crossing

The estimated construction costs for the 20 meter bus station is R 4 000 000 and the
40 meter station will be approximately R 7 000 000.

Source: Algoa FM (http://www.algoafm.co.za/article.aspx?id=3368), pictures on their site.

Hopefully this means that we are getting somewhere.

Today's Weekend Post reports that the first stage of the system will begin running on 1 October. It also shows the proposed routes, 7 in total. The story doesn't seem to be on their website yet. Hopefully this system can finally get rolling.

ATTENTION PE:

Can someone please snap some shots of the BRT stations, and its surroundings, i.e. landscaping etc.

Thanks :)

ATTENTION PE:

Can someone please snap some shots of the BRT stations, and its surroundings, i.e. landscaping etc.

Thanks :)

Sorry to tell you, but the entire BRT system is being demolished and old lanes reintroduced as before.

Wtf???

Wtf???

Clearly there wasn't enough opportunity for corruption, so they need to start the process again to find new ways of stealing money.

*Yes I know its a very pessimistic viewpoint, but hey*

It is somewhat mind boggling that they're doing this though.

Sorry to tell you, but the entire BRT system is being demolished and old lanes reintroduced as before.

You must be kidding??? I would be absolutely disgusted! :ohno:

I normally don't get this vicious, but seriously... if this is true. I think we should evacuate the entire Eastern Cape quickly and quietly, leave all the politicians there, nuke the place, then start over from scratch.

The political leadership in that province is turning the place into a disaster-zone.

You must be kidding??? I would be absolutely disgusted! :ohno:

I normally don't get this vicious, but seriously... if this is true. I think we should evacuate the entire Eastern Cape quickly and quietly, leave all the politicians there, nuke the place, then start over from scratch.

The political leadership in that province is turning the place into a disaster-zone.

I'm afraid I am not kidding. Saw them breaking up and removing the installed lanes. Easy work really, since so much of it had been destroyed by the 'locals' already.

What a joke.

^^ Would anyone take offense if I stated something controversial?

Until the opposition start taking over control of the Eastern Cape or some municipalities, I'm writing off the province as HOPELESS.

So bloody sad! Here is an example of what all of SA will be like in a decade if we don't oust some of our current leaders. :ohno:

^^ that said, the Eastern cape hs ALWAYS been a very weak link in the picture going back decades, its just becoming even more apparent now with total lack of any political brains. and frankly, to also be controversial, the DA in the Eastern cape also sucks

r27ijniHry8

What a disaster!

Send those buses this way. Bargain.

As far as I know the project is still going ahead. The deputy mayor will be on Algoa FM tomorrow from 7am to discuss the sytem. If you outside of the broadcast area, you can listen in on the algoa fm website.

It's almost the end of October, and still no IPTS. The busses are running though, I've seen them around the city. So far no movement on an actual launch date for the system though.

Sad...

Can I get a hell yeah?!

THE long-awaited Nelson Mandela Bay Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) will finally be launched next week – more than five years and R1-billion after it was first announced. The launch next Thursday follows a R640-million boost from the national Treasury to fund the pilot project.

The money must be spent within seven months or the municipality could forfeit it once again.

The metro earlier lost a R230-million grant given by the Treasury two years ago for the IPTS because it failed to spend the money. The law only allows money to be rolled over once.

Get the planned IPTS routes and timetables today in The Herald.

The Herald (http://www.peherald.com/newsarticle/10215)

Mods, renames to PE IPTS please. Can't wait to try this out.

^^ i wont hold my breath. after the utter shambles of the present infrastructure which they are destroying and rebuilding and the lack of change in the heads running the show on this, i cant see something running in just 7 months.

Those are great news.

An advert in The Herald this morning says that the launch is tomorrow at 10am at the Uitenhage Town Hall. The system's name is Libhongolethu, which means our pride.

The system's name is Libhongolethu, which means our pride.

Oh my, that's quite a name!

Not entirely sure I like that name....

Not entirely sure I like that name....

Libhongolethu... well, if they're clever with the branding they could make it more accessible:

*GO*-lethu

Though, you can't really get easier than Metro Bus or City Bus.

Libhongolethu... well, if they're clever with the branding they could make it more accessible:

*GO*-lethu

Though, you can't really get easier than Metro Bus or City Bus.

Precisely... this almost seems to be a name that will HAVE to be changed, or will just be changed by the people who use it into something like MetroBus, or something.

The system's name is Libhongolethu, which means our pride.

I actually like the idea of NOT having a plain-commercial-English sounding name, even if it will take a moment to get used to.

Cannot help wondering, however about the MEANING of the name - "our pride"? That sounds like the name you give your little house by the sea or the smallholding you bought to farm on after retirement - not a major public transport service for a city? I mean, is there no cool Xhosa translation for ... :) Metrobus or Citybus?

An advert in The Herald this morning says that the launch is tomorrow at 10am at the Uitenhage Town Hall. The system's name is Libhongolethu, which means our pride.

Fabulous! I'm sure the launch party costs a fortune and the food and drink will be top notch.

As for the system, I don't see it working. These bone-heads can't organize a piss-up in a brewery.

More good news:

History was made when the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality handed over 19 buses that it purchased during the 2010 Soccer World Cup to a consortium owned by the local taxi industry and local bus company, Algoma Bus at Vuyisile Mini Square (former Market Square) on Friday (18 January 2013). The handover will finally see the start of the much anticipated Integrated Public Transport System on Monday (21 January 2013).

The 19 buses are part of the 25 buses that the city purchased and used during the memorable soccer tournament. The department of Transport has so far issued 19 operating licenses wit the remaining 6 still had to go through Certificates of Fitness tests.

The handover of the buses follows three years of engagements between National Transport Department, NMB and the local taxi industry about operational plan of the system.

The IPTS, which has since been named Ibhongolethu, will be an integrated, safe, reliable, efficient, punctual and dependable public transport system. A similar system is already in operation in cities like City of Johannesburg (Rea Vaya) and Cape Town (My City). This is the first time in the country where a government backed Integrated Public Transport System has the Taxi industry as major shareholders.

Eastern Cape MEC for Transport Thandiswa Marhawu, leaders of the local Taxi Industry, NMB political leadership led by the Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile and his Deputy Nancy Sihlwayi and a contingent of media and local business representatives attended the handover.

Speaking at the handover, MEC Marawu said the Nelson Mandela Bay has made the province proud. The Executive Mayor Wayile called on all the parties involved to unite behind the project. “We have traveled a long road. We can not afford to go back now. Lets work together to give our people a safe and reliable transport system,” said EM Wayile.

The NMB has already spent more than R300 million on infrastructural developments in preparation of the IPTS through a funding from the National Department of Transport. New bus and taxi lanes have been made. From Monday the system will start operating with seven routes across the NMB.

Route 300 is around Port Elizabeth CBD area. Starting point Lillian Diedericks Building, Govan Mbeki Avenue. The bus stops will be IPTS lanes.

Route 301 is from CBD in front of Lillian Diedericks Building to Coega security gate and back. Route 302 is from CBD infront of Lillian Diedericks Building to Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolital University and back.

Route 303 is from CBD infront of Lillian Diedericks Building to the Port Elizabeth Airport and back while route 304 will start from same point to Greenacres and back.

Route 305 will start from Uitenhage CBD rank in Algoa Road to Despatch train station in Muchen Street and back while Route 306 will start from the same point to Kwanobuhle and back.

The payment system will be cash. Fares before 13h00 will vary from R8 and R11 depending on distance. After 13h00 the fares are reduced to R7.50, R9.40 and R10.30 depending on distance. Each bus will have a designated security officer with a close circuit television surveillance.

NMB Municipality (http://www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za/News.aspx?objID=4&cmd=view&id=1763)

I have seen these buses running for the last few days, hopefully I'll be on one for the AFCON. Only routes 302 and 303 are currently running.

Some video of the buses, running through Central and North End

jMbJbOdU-tw#

Taken from PE Express (http://www.pe-express.co.za/922/media/video/the-ipts-in-port-elizabeth-is-finally-on-the-move-take-a-tour-on-the-bus)