eThekwini Municipality launches new Public Transport Information Centre to enhance commuter experience
ETA acting director Nelisiwe Zama, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba, Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport committee chairperson councillor Themba Mvubu, and Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport committee deputy chairperson councillor Sifiso Mkhize, looking at how the Public Transport Information Centre works.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
A new Public Transport Information Centre designed to ease access to reliable public transport-related information and services was launched by eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba on Monday.
The eThekwini Transport Authority’s Traffic Management Centre hosts a hub offering commuters quick, accurate public transport updates and assistance.
Xaba said public transport without information like real-time schedules and updates is incomplete.
“The Public Transport Information Centre we are unveiling today (Monday) is important as part of the City’s offering within its transport operations. It brings reliability and transparency into the system, offering commuters reliable updates that they can depend on. It ensures that public transport users, who are the backbone of our City’s economy, have the dignity of being informed and empowered,” Xaba said.
“This facility also demonstrates how, through collaboration with Metro Police, transport operators, and the Traffic Management Centre, we can harness technology and teamwork to serve our citizens better.”
He explained that the information centre reflects the values of Batho Pele – putting people first as they strive to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
“We are indeed proud of the opening of this facility, the Public Transport Information Centre, because it will empower commuters and residents of eThekwini by making available reliable information and services.
Xaba added that in his engagements with colleagues, he asked if the system integrates the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) information.
“They said not at this stage, but the option is available so that in the future they can integrate information on Prasa as well,” Xaba said.
Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport committee deputy chairperson councillor Sifiso Mkhize, ETA acting director Nelisiwe Zama, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba, Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport committee chairperson councillor Themba Mvubu, Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport committee chief whip councillor Bheki Mngwengwe and Metro Police Deputy Director Rajen Chin cutting the ribbon at the launch of the Public Transport Information Centre.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
EThekwini Transport Authority acting director, Nelisiwe Zama, said the hub will benefit commuters as traffic is monitored.
“We are also monitoring our People Mover project, which is our contracted bus service. We are also monitoring, in the centre, the Moja Cruise, which is our programme that we are running with the minibus taxis,” Zama said.
“We are now adding the call centre, where commuters are going to be able to call in and talk to us with regards to all areas of public transport or transport in general.”
Commuters can contact the centre about the Muvo card to report issues, including problems at refill centres, bus no-shows, or mistreatment on bus services.
She said they have a toll-free line the public can use or the WhatsApp line they have developed. There is also an email address that can be used for queries.
Zama added they have their social media pages where they will share information.
“When all of this is done, we’re going to be posting those important numbers that the communities (will be able to) use,” Zama said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za