Integrated Transport Plan.pdf - Durban

Many of the eight rail lines operate with low passenger loads which impact
on economic efficiency.
Consequently, the fundamental rail issues
centre around sustainability and the need for
major capital investment to provide a rail
system and service which can form a key
component of a multi modal public transport
system which is attractive to current and future
public transport users.
The existing bus service on a system comprising some 1 400 unidirectional
routes is provided by approximately 200 operators in a mix of
subsidised contracts and unsubsidised services.
Currently there are seven bus contracts covering approximately 70% of the
route system in the Municipal area. Some 170 unsubsidised bus operators
in thirteen associations along with approximately 20 independent operators
provide service on the remaining 30% of the route system. At this time
there are no unsubsidised commercial contracts.
Over recent years efforts to contain rapidly escalating subsidy
accompanied by reducing levels of service have been addressed in part by
formal subsidised bus contracts. The most recent of these is the
privatisation of Durban Transport which accounts for over one third of the
bus fleet in the Municipal area operating on approximately half of the bus
routes.
Outside of subsidised service contracts
operators experiencing decreasing ridership
and profit margins are unable to upgrade their
fleet and struggle to maintain service levels
with aging vehicles.
Major issues around the bus system and service are that bus and rail
services operate in direct competition; unsubsidised bus services are
deteriorating and many bus trips operate with low passenger loads even in
peak periods.
Bus service
issues
eThekwini Integrated Transport Plan
Summary Report
5.11
Public Transport