World Cup Bus System Causes Conflict in Cape Town

Posted by: Alek Miller

30 September 2009 - 11:00am

Taxi and minibus drivers in Cape Town are concerned that a new Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system will put them out of work. The city cites lack of regulation, safety concerns, and standardized work hours as reasons the new system is necessary.

"They [taxi and minibus drivers] fear the government's intentions to improve transport for football fans and leave what has been termed a 'legacy project' in the cities hosting the tournament will cost them their jobs...

But the City of Cape Town says such worries are unfounded and the World Cup is an opportunity to introduce a bus-based public transport system that is reliable, scheduled and safe, while improving services to some areas."

"This ownership of the industry seems to be at the crux of problem for the City of Cape Town.

The minibus taxi industry was one of the few areas of the economy that black business was allowed to run under apartheid."

Full Story: 2010 plans upset South Africa's taxis

Source: BBC News, September 2, 2009