Abstract:
The world is currently grappling with congestion problems that have rendered cities
unlivable. Improvement in public transport has been one of the most sought-after solutions
with implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems being one of the key strategies.
Previous studies have demonstrated that Mini-Bus Taxis (MBTs) could be part of the
solution to improved public transport as they won’t be eliminated overnight. Transportation
officials and authorities in South Africa have rethought the future of MBTs and come up
with initiatives to improve the quality of MBT service. This essay presents the Blue Dot
Program in Western Cape; Moja Cruise in eThekwini and the MBT contracting model in
Rustenburg Local Municipality as some of the initiatives taken in South Africa. The
approaches taken focus on improving safety, security, availability and reliability of MBTs
as a mode of transport.
