A PROPOSED fare hike of 8 per cent for Durban Transport was rejected by the Democratic Alliance at a meeting of the Executive Council on Tuesday, ahead of the council’s annual budget meeting on 31 May.
DA caucus leader Nicole Graham said a report to Exco in April had revealed that Tansnat was the city’s top debtor, allegedly owing the municipality R206 million.
“The budget report stated that the debts were due to unpaid depot lease charges, security charges, ticket roll charges, repairs and maintenance and security charges. The amount owed also included R15 million per month to lease the buses. However, the report on the fare increases indicates many of these costs are being covered by Tansnat and are behind the reason why fares should be increased. This further compounds the confusion that has existed for some time and should have long been resolved: between eThekwini Municipality and Tansnat, who owes who what and when will it be resolved?” she said.
ALSO READ: City plans to reinstate hopper stations along beaches
She said the request for fare increases also included a staggering R3 800 000 ‘director’s salary.’
“Ordinary eThekwini residents have long complained of the quality of the service, which is notoriously unstable. Running out of diesel and stranding commuters are commonly reported. Effective, affordable and stable public transport services are key to allowing the city’s residents to access economic and education opportunities and should be addressed far more seriously than this matter has been,” she said.
Graham said the concerns for bus users and ratepayers was heightened by a loan request presented before Exco in April for R1.5 billion from German development bank KFW for the roll-out of the bus rapid transport Go!Durban, but this had subsequently been withdrawn from the agenda.
“It is presumably waiting in the wings for an opportune moment when Durban’s ratepayers will be forced to cough up once again,” she said.
“Until a full report on the monies owed and a way forward is presented to the city’s Executive Committee and until such time as Durban Transport begins to run an effective service for Durban’s commuters, we won’t be supporting any fare increases,” she said.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
