GEORGE NEWS - The proposed public transport system for George that citizens have been looking forward to for the past eight years, received renewed momentum. George Council gave thumbs up last week that the plan, which struggled to get off the ground, be carried through.

Once in full operation, the George Integrated Public Transport Network (TIPTN) will provide a reliable, scheduled service. Subsidised fares will ensure a cheaper service than what is currently available (only R6 per trip) and there will be a pick-up point within 10 minutes’ walk from any point in town. Outlying areas such as Hoekwil, Kleinkrantz and Wilderness Heights will be part of the network. The service will run 18 hours a day, seven days a week.
Political instability in Council caused the project to stall since it was first announced in 2004. However, some R54 million has been spent on roads infrastructure upgrading and the erection of a temporary bus depot in York Street.
Further infrastructure expenditure over the next five years is estimated at R236 747 million.

‘Success paramount’
George Mayor Charles Standers emphasised on Friday that it is a pilot project for South Africa. "In the format that we are going to implement it - that is in cooperation with the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works and incorporating all local taxi and bus operators - it is a first for the country and its success is paramount."
He said councillors of all the parties are on board. They were informed in detail about the system at a recent two-day workshop.

R2-billion turnover
A brand-new fleet of between 130 to 150 modern buses, midibuses and minibuses will be purchased and between 400 and 500 people, including the existing bus and taxi operators, will be employed.
Civil Engineering Services Deputy Director Lindsay Mooiman said the project will have an estimated R2-billion turnover over the next 12 years, which is the duration of the contract with an operator company. The latter will consist of the current taxi and bus operators who are coming together to form a company that will be contracted by the municipality. An advisor has been appointed to assist the operator company to put the required structures in place and to provide them with training.
The Uncedo Taxi Association, George Taxi Owners’ Front, George Taxi Association and Louis’ Transport will form part of the new company.

Public comment
A public participation process in October and November will include granting citizens the opportunity to comment. Claude Madell, manager of infrastructure planning, said, "Temporary signs will be put up along the proposed routes with a map of the route and a contact number for the public to be able to give input."

Starting early 2012
The first phase of the project is expected to be rolled out early next year when a test service will run from the CBD to the NMMU Campus at Saasveld. "The idea is to extend the service in phases throughout 2012 to the whole town and eventually also to our neighbouring towns," said Madell.

In the first phase existing taxis will be used (that will meet minimum standards) before a tender will be put out for the acquisition of a new fleet.


Claude Madell, manager of infrastructure planning at Civil Engineering Services, George Mayor Charles Standers and Lindsay Mooiman, Civil Engineering Services deputy director, at a press conference on Friday where it was announced that Council is putting in a renewed effort to get the public transport system for George off the ground. Photo: Alida de Beer


ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD REPORTER