Pretoria- South Africa's transport plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are shaping up, with the latest being a service provider that will administer the procurement, operation and management of spectator transport for the mega-event.
The department of transport has appointed a service provider that will manage inter provincial and regional road transport services for both commuter buses and midibus taxis for spectators during the month-long tournament.
The service provider, called the Operating Management Entity, is ESC & The African Experience consortium.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said he was confident that they would provide a professional service for spectators, as they already operate in the tourism industry.
"The taxi industry is to provide a fleet of over 400 mid-busses to ferry spectators around the country while 110 commuter buses from Autopax will complement these services," said Ndebele.
Fleet usage will be dependent on demand that is generated for the service and ticket sales. Inland and coastal services will also be on offer.
The fleet of taxis and buses will be additional to existing transport services in the country.
There will be a service between Pretoria, OR Tambo International Airport and Johannesburg hubs and Rustenburg, Polokwane, Mbombela and Bloemfontein.
On the coast there will be a service from Knysna to Cape Town, via Wilderness, George and Mossel Bay, and back.
There will be a service from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, via George and Wilderness and back.
From East London spectators will be able to travel to Port Elizabeth, via King William's Town and Grahamstown and back.
Further up the coast services will run between Richards Bay and Durban, Wild Coast Sun and Durban and between Pietermaritzburg and Durban added Ndebele.
Prices will range from R140 to R300 for a one way trip. The operational plan and final contract have been finalized for coaches and taxis, said the department.
Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) is working closely with the Operating Management Entity to provide a countrywide Midibus solution for spectators.
Operational staff will be clearly identifiable through coded arm bands and other branded clothing. "It is not just about sport, it is now truly about Transport", said Ndebele.
