1. According to Question 2417, we reported that the “BRT system will be partially operational (kerbside) by the end of September (2017), subject to the finalisation of negotiations with affected taxi operators. Full operations (on trunk route) are scheduled to commence when the infrastructure is fully complete in 2018.”
However, for the system to be fully operational in the City would mean the completion of all its phases, namely Phases 1 – 5. Subsequent phases being Phase 2 to Phase 5 remain unfunded and are subject to an operational plan being approved by the Council and funding approved by the NDOT. Therefore, phase 1 is planned to be fully operational in the year 2020 subject to conclusion of negotiations for final compensation.
(2)
(a) There were no delays encountered thus far in the procurement of services. However, delays were mainly encountered at the beginning of construction due to the following, among others:
(b) There will be a 10-months delay until the appointment of a replacement contractor.
(c) The expected early finish date for the Pedestrian Bridges is 30 June 2018.
(3)
(a) The following contractors who were appointed for the construction of BRT stations, were placed in mora and terminated for poor performance.
(i) Mologadi a Nape; and
(ii) Cross Border Developments.
(b) The reasons for the termination were due to poor contractor performance.
(4) Yes, terminated contractors have paid penalties.
(a) The terminated contractors are:
(b) The total amount paid by each contractor amounts to:
(5)
(a) To date, 104 meetings have taken place between the City and the Taxi Industry. The meetings were held with various structures including the General Industry Technical Forum, KTVR Special Purpose Vehicle, Ekurhuleni Taxi Industry Forum, etc.
(b) The progress made to date includes the following among others:
(c) A Special Purpose Vehicle called KTVR (Katlehong, Tembisa, Vosloorus and Reiger Park) was established in 2016 to render the functions of a permanent Vehicle Operating Company.
(d) The City has not yet concluded a 12 year contract as stipulated in the NLTA due to the stage of the system. Once phase 1 has been completed the City will be able to enter into a 12 year contract with the Vehicle Operating Company.