The City of Johannesburg's public transport service is set to resume following a recent legal victory.
Kenny Kunene, the MMC for public transport, announced that the city has obtained an interdict against a leading taxi association, which had previously disrupted the launch of the new fleet of 45 Rea Vaya feeder buses in Soweto.
This announcement comes in the wake of significant tension between the taxi operators and the city, a situation underscored by protests that brought the bus service to a complete standstill.
The issue arose when the taxi association claimed the new buses were deployed with incorrect registration plates, a serious violation that prompted outrage from the transport sector.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kunene detailed the proceedings leading up to the interdict. The MMC explained that discussions took place on November 5th, 12th, and 25th, where city officials worked collaboratively with taxi association representatives to resolve valid concerns. However, the meeting on November 12th faltered, with taxi members insisting that their grievances be presented to the executive mayor of Johannesburg.
Faced with escalating tensions and the lack of a resolution, transport officials and the business rescue practitioner, Mahier Tayo, decided to seek judicial intervention. An interdict was subsequently granted on November 28th, allowing the buses to operate under specific conditions outlined by the court. According to Kunene, the sheriff of the court has been mobilising law enforcement to ensure compliance with the order.
Having taken significant steps to address the immediate concerns of commuters, Kunene urged media outlets to assist in disseminating information to the public. He confirmed that the Phase 1A Rea Vaya feeder buses would resume operations as of tomorrow morning, Friday 29th November, signalling a relief for countless Soweto commuters who had been stranded during the disruption.
Earlier this month, local media reported delays in the operation of the new buses, with sources indicating that they would remain out of service until the registration issues were fully resolved. Kunene reiterated the importance of proper documentation and highlighted the mistakes that occurred at the depot, emphasizing that the buses should have been fitted with the correct GP number plates prior to deployment.
Saturday Star