eThekwini expected to give timetable for long-delayed Go Durban buses
eThekwini and the KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department are expected to outline when the long-delayed Go Durban bus service will start.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba are expected to give an update on Sunday on when the long-delayed Go Durban bus service will begin operating.
The city has spent about R9 billion on the bus rapid-transit project over 16 years, according to SABC News. Dedicated lanes and stations have been built to connect northern townships with the Pinetown area, but buses have not entered service.
Delays have included prolonged negotiations with taxi operators over how the new system will work alongside existing public-transport services.
Earlier in the week, the eThekwini council approved the project’s business and operational plans. The decision is being presented as a major step towards starting the service, although a confirmed launch date was not available when this report was prepared.
Sunday’s briefing is expected to provide a timetable and explain the remaining work. Commuters will also be looking for details on routes, fares, operating hours and integration with other transport.
Go Durban began as a 2010 legacy project intended to provide high-capacity public transport through dedicated road infrastructure. Its unfinished rollout has remained a recurring issue because substantial infrastructure is visible while the planned buses are not running.
Any commencement date announced by the city will need to be matched by operational readiness and clear information for passengers. This report will be updated when the authorities release the confirmed timetable.