Ordinarily this would not be a platform to discuss the public transport system, (after all this blog is called Driving In Heels, not Catching Taxis in Heels); but if ever there was a better reason and time to buy your own car it would be now. Regardless of the costs of the impending e-tolling system, or continually rising fuel costs, nothing will adequately ensure we are prepared to use the BRT system, especially as it has been handed over to the taxi associations to run. That’s right folks, the running of the City of Johannesburg multi-million Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit is now in the hands of a company owned by taxi owners. So, when Minister Ndebele tells us to pay toll fares or use a bus, what he is really referring to is a ride on a bus managed by Pio Trans.
Early in Februar 2011, Pio Trans took over the running of the public transport system from Clidet, a company which had been previously appointed by the City of Johannesburg to run operations temporarily. We are all for empowerment and ensuring that the previously disadvantaged become more involved in the economic development of our country, however, it is usually the manner in which such initiatives are done which leaves a lot to desire. In this instance no mention has yet been made about the new company’s skills capacity to manage the operation, or any training they might have received in running a legal and ethical transport system which puts public interest and safety first, ahead of self profit and selective ignorance to basic road rules.
It really would make incredible standup comedy material for the likes of Eugene Khoza and Trevor Noah, were it not such a serious matter, especially when you consider that the mandate before Pio Trans is:
1. Ensure buses run according to schedule. Believe it or not, but our Government is of the impression that our local taxi owners, whose current operations hardly have a system we can call a timetable; are qualified to adhere to time management in running a bus operation.
2. Staff members are at work on time in order to render a good service to commuters. It’s no secret that customer care within the taxi industry is the medical equivalent of an STI; it is deplorable, irritating and resistant to any long term or permanent improvement. Therefore, how is it that taxi drivers, who for years have been reported to communicate with their customers by using colourful language, intimidation and in some instances violence will now be courteous to the general public should we opt to use the BRT system? Can government assure me that I will not be served by an open mouthed gum chewing bus stewardess who assumes I speak vernacular simply because I am Black? When in public service, the most common business language is English, and the adage “The Customer Is King” is of paramount importance. Do taxi drivers had the first inkling of training in customer relations?
- Buses are in a good working condition. A song by Ray Phiri quickly comes to mind when read this expectation “Who’s fooling Who”. Our country still battles with poorly maintained vehicles, and in some instance, vehicles which are not maintained at all. Will the buses on the BRT system be reduced to wires, screwdrivers and cellotape? Will commuter’s feet get wet in rainy weather because the floor boards are missing? Will there be clear glass in the window panes or sheets of plastic? Will the springs on the seats cut through the seat covers? Will the mechanics for the automatic doors still work after a few months?4. Stations are kept clean; taxi ranks across the country are a putrid mess of food wrappers, empty bottles, cigarette butts, paper etc, to say nothing about the accompanying stench. Where there are large numbers of people, it does not take long for there to be a health hazard and filth. Nothing about current taxi operations suggest that this mandate has ever been a consideration by taxi owners. It would be a welcome change if just this expectation alone were met.
It is either a case of rose tinted sunglasses or too many hours spent being chauffer driven that might have influenced the powers that be in this decision and process. In principal, handing the running of transport system to the people is a good idea, but maybe, it is just as well intended as patting a lion on its head. Surely government is setting this system up for failure as it would appear that the cards are stacked heavily against taxi owner/managed system. Inevitably, the taxi owners will take the blame for not delivering a worthwhile public transport system, the public will be affected and production will falter.
For all of us whose option to e-tolling is public transport - as graciously pointed out by Minister Sbu Ndebele - the lack of management and operational skills could hinder the positive intention Government’s appointment of the new management team of the BRT system. City Of Joburg officials, will have to ensure that a transfer of skills form the previous company to Pio Trans is done, so they are equipped to run the business; experience in operations management and proper fleet management, including maintenance, customer care and retention, strategic planning and state of the art security will be critical as will general awareness of all facets which affect the effective running of a public transport system.
No one knowingly goes to a bogus doctor for medical attention, or allows an unqualified mechanic to change their brakes. Similarly in this instance, the public should not be expected to put their faith and lives in a system which does not inspire confidence. All South Africans would like nothing better than to see the success of the BRT system. I am positive we will cheer as wildly as we did during the World Cup should our public transport system deliver better than what Government has in some sectors. As with so many other initiatives, this is an incredibly good idea, but as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and in our case, the proof of the efficiency of Pio Trans managing the BRT system will be in buses arriving on time, and our experiencing a professional public transport service we can be proud of.
But just in case…. There are many car dealers willing to negotiate comfortable financial deals!
Vuyi Jabavu
Driving In Heels
No comments:
Post a Comment