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Following a successful launch of the municipal bus line Hauweng, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) and the Mangaung District Taxi Council (MDTC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 29 November 2024, at Bram Fisher Building in Bloemfontein to ensure a transparent and smooth relationship between the two parties.
Hauweng bus line has proved a success in its first phase launch to test the market, the municipality has received overwhelming support from the locals and is now gearing up to launch the second phase, phase 1A and 1B. The City said it is essential to work with the taxi industry and have an agreement in place to ensure that they are all in one accord.
According to Perm Sooknanan, the Head of the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN), Mangaung and MDTC signed the MOA for the next phase to be implemented.
“With phase 1C going live, commuters have expressed keen interest with the busses going live in various parts of the City. What we have seen happening with phase 1C shows what we can achieve through collaboration,” said Skoonanan.
Skoonanan said the MOA has a duration of three years, which signifies the willingness and commitment of both the Metro and the Taxi Council to work hand in clove in providing safe, affordable and reliable transport to the citizens of the City.
“Everything that we will be doing moving forward, will be in consultation with you,” committed Perm Skoonanan.
MDTC affirmed the MOA saying they have been waiting for some time to renew the MOA so that the preparations for next phase of the IPTN can start.
“Phase 1C was the pilot for Hauweng busses and we have seen how well the busses are functioning and we now know how to navigate the other phases,” said Marks Mohale from MDTC.
Sello More, the City Manager for Mangaung Metro said the City is now ready to launch the next phase, hailing the overwhelming support Hauweng busses are receiving from citizens.
“There has been an overwhelming support from the community and for the bus to have a route that goes to Bram Fisher International Airport. The success that we are seeing wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaboration of the taxi industry,” said More.
More applauded his team for the stellar work they are doing in ensuring that the project becomes a success and that it reaches all corners of Mangaung Metro.
