EDITOR – It comes as no surprise that, once again, the most vulnerable of our society – this time a pensioner – is treated harshly by Durban, the Caring City (Berea Mail, 21 November).
Frankly, I do not know how Muvo works (or is supposed to) nor do I need to know. My beef with PeopleMover is far more delving.
Firstly, ETA stands, internationally, for Estimated Time of Arrival. In our experience, this is so, so true – the PM's ETA is “every 15 minutes”, but that rarely occurs.
ETA has a tolerance of up to 35 minutes, in my experience.
Secondly, PeopleMover has been contracted out – to Coppersunset Trading Pty Ltd 364. So, if Mlungisi Wosiyana, Deputy Head: Public Transport, eThekwini Transport Authority, chooses to get on board and make excuses for the contractor, then he should also insist the contractor maintains the infrastructure we have paid so dearly for.
Here, specifically, the PeopleMover shelters and signage thereon. “Inspectors” drive by stops every day – probably several times a day – yet utterly ignore the decay. Dismissing them and other “well trained” staff committed to “Batho Pele” would certainly help reduce the revenue losses further.
The deputy should also impress on the contractor that it must not do absolutely anything that would tarnish the immaculate image of the Caring City – you know, like illegal parking, making unscheduled stops, shopping with “company” vehicles, etc.
Sometimes I feel we should brace ourselves for the day when Exco decides to buy back the PeopleMover – as happened with the bus service.
Should we, Deputy Head? Should we, City Manager? Should we, EXCO?
Mahmood
North Beach
