DA CRITICISMS OF ANOMALIES IN BUS FARES SHOULD TARGET NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT – AND NOT GOLDEN ARROW

The Provincial Leader of the DA (Theuns Botha) and its Transport Spokesman (Robin Carlisle) met on Wednesday (15.10.2008) with the CEO (Mr Nic Cronje) and General Manager (Mr Francois Meyer) of Golden Arrow Bus Services.
The meeting was at the request of Golden Arrow and arose from DA media releases which were critical of the zonal and flat fare systems operated by the bus service.

Whilst the DA had consulted Golden Arrow personnel prior to issuing the statement, the consultations had not been at executive level, and misunderstandings arose, which the DA regrets.

Golden Arrow management has drawn the DA`s attention to the fact that “origin – destination” multiride cards are sanctioned by the National Department of Transport and not by Golden Arrow.

The last thorough revision of these cards was done prior to the implementation of the existing interim contract in 1997. Subsequently very little of the urban development that took place since then has been taken into account. This does result in anomalies in the fare structure which in some case benefit passengers and in other cases not.

It is now clear to the DA that Golden Arrow cannot be blamed for the system imposed on it by the National Department of Transport subsidy scheme, which is outdated, unsatisfactory and in need of overhaul.

Accordingly, the DA regrets any perception that may have been created affecting the integrity or good standing of Golden Arrow, and is pleased to be afforded the opportunity to correct any misapprehensions.

The imminent implementation of the National Land Transport Bill will largely transfer responsibility for public transport to the city of Cape Town, and afford the opportunity to review the current subsidy system to the benefit of all its stakeholders.

Source: Robin Carlisle MPL – DA spokesman on Transport