The City of Tshwane’s R3.4 billion contract with Tshwane Rapid Transit (Pty) Ltd (TRT) to operate the A Re Yeng system for 12 years will pave the way for the expansion of bus routes to local townships.
The contract will come into effect following last week’s council approval and a public consultation process that took place after March this year.
The A Re Yeng system was launched in November 2014 after a negotiated contract with various taxi associations in Tshwane.
The negotiated contract sought to identify a specific group in of need of empowerment as part of implementing transformation in the public transport space.
MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, said council’s approval of a 12-year bus operating company agreement with TRT will solidify the expansion of A Re Yeng services.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward for the transformation of our public transport sector and continued efforts to formalise the taxi industry,” she said.
The agreement, she said, will see a R3.4bn benefit for taxi industry participation over 12 years, with TRT as the operating company for bus operations.
“This step ensures that the A Re Yeng services are extended to previously disadvantaged areas, including Mamelodi, Mahube, Atteridgeville, and Soshanguve,” she said.
According to Mogale, the city has already started to expand construction of the critical route that connects the Pretoria CBD to Atteridgeville.
“The A Re Yeng system, which was launched in 2014, saw buses being operated by trained and qualified former taxi industry drivers who were recruited from various taxi industry associations,” she said.
In 2013, the city signed an agreement with representatives of the Greater Tshwane Taxi Council and the Transport Operators Peace Initiators Conglomerate Associations for the implementation of its bus rapid transit.
The new agreement, Mogale said, reflects the city’s commitment to modernising public transport, reducing congestion, and promoting environmentally responsible mobility.
She expressed optimism that improved bus services will provide safer and more affordable options, making public transport the preferred choice for our residents.
She said the arrangement will not sideline anyone in the public transport industry, but will instead open the door for collaborative growth.
“We envision a future where buses and taxis work together to serve our community better. A robust bus system enhances overall mobility, while a thriving taxi sector fills critical gaps in the service, particularly in under-served areas,” she said.
Pretoria News
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