Unhappy taxi owners threaten to delay agreements that gave rise to Rea Vaya system
An attempt to resolve the impasse in Soweto on Monday failed, as Transport MMC Kenny Kunene was asked to leave and instead bring Mayor Dada Morero to the table.
Picture: X/ReaVayaBus
JOHANNESBURG - Unhappy taxi owners who sold their vehicles to make way for the Rea Vaya system are threatening to further delay agreements that gave rise to the bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
The City of Johannesburg, taxi associations, and Rea Vaya operator, PioTrans, remain at odds over alleged non-payments linked to the implementation of the bus rapid transit system nearly two decades ago.
READ: Tensions flair at Rea Vaya meeting as taxi owners force Joburg Transport MMC Kunene to leave
An attempt to resolve the impasse in Soweto on Monday failed, as Transport MMC Kenny Kunene was asked to leave and instead bring Mayor Dada Morero to the table.
"I could’ve done something else. They could’ve just called me from my house to say don’t come to the meeting. I don’t know why they brought me here just to tell me I can’t address them," a disheartened Kunene said, speaking to EWN after the failed meeting.
Kunene, who has championed the rehabilitation and expansion of Rea Vaya, a critical transport system for millions in the city, said that the infighting was counterproductive.
Taxi owners at the heart of the dispute have raised numerous issues, including alleged non-payments and the introduction of 45 feeder buses without consultation.
On Monday, they rejected Kunene’s attempt to engage, demanding direct talks with Mayor Dada Morero.