Rethinking the future of minibus

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.