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Given our extensive history of involvement in Integrated Public Transport Network projects in South Africa, we have become a key roleplayer in chairing important engagements between the Government and the transport industry as part of the negotiation and contracting required under the National Land Transport Act (NTLA).
RACS has played a leading role in supporting the Western Cape Government and the local minibus taxi industry in piloting unique public transport interventions within the public transport network, namely in the George Integrated Public Transport Network, the Red Dot and Blue Dot pilot projects.
RACS has played a leading role in supporting the Western Cape Government and the local minibus taxi industry in piloting unique public transport interventions within the public transport network, namely in the George Integrated Public Transport Network, the Red Dot and Blue Dot pilot projects.
Who we've worked with
Given our extensive history of involvement in Integrated Public Transport Network projects in South Africa, we have become a key roleplayer in chairing important engagements between the Government and the transport industry as part of the negotiation and contracting required under the National Land Transport Act (NTLA).
THE RED DOT PROJECT
The Red Dot Project was initiated with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) by the Western Cape Government. The objective for the Government was to provide specialised services to move patients to quarantine locations and isolation facilities across the province, as well as to transport healthcare workers.
Our value and contribution as RACS to this public transport intervention included facilitating and supporting the discussions and negotiations between the Government and the taxi industry, which led to a groundbreaking partnership to support a meaningful response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
We provided extensive strategic support to the Red Dot project, particularly legal expertise, mentoring and coaching, business development, as well as accounting services.
THE BLUE DOT PROJECT
Following the successes of the Red Dot Project and the partnership between the Western Cape Government and SANTACO, another public transport intervention, Blue Dot, was born. Blue Dot is an innovative and game-changing minibus taxi improvement programme that aims to improve the passenger experience by creating safe, reliable, dignified, and affordable public transport. Importantly, the programme aims to address taxi violence and illegal operations.
RACS has been contracted to assist with the negotiation process between the Western Cape Government and SANTACO to ensure synergy between the parties for the successful implementation of the Blue Dot Pilot. RACS has been instrumental in helping the parties navigate the negotiation phase, which culminated in the signing of the terms and conditions of the incentive programme. We remain a trusted strategic partner for the transport industry towards driving the agenda of industry transformation.
THE GO GEORGE PROJECT
RACS has facilitated and supported negotiations around the full lifecycle of these transport projects, including facilitating dialogue and negotiation in George and Cape Town. RACS has been an integral part of the George project since 2017 and historically in the initial negotiations. We have been appointed to mediate and facilitate Intergovernmental Disputes, Community Engagements and engagements between the Government and the taxi industry, as it relates to the project.
A major milestone was reached in February 2020 when negotiations were successfully concluded with all stakeholders. It was agreed that the GO GEORGE system would be implemented in 5 additional areas in George. This was a turning point for RACS, the Government as well as the community of George, as the efficient bus service became accessible to thousands of additional commuters from the community of George.
THE N2 EXPRESS PROJECT
The dispute resulted in the abrupt ending of the service at the end of May 2019. As the appointed mediators to the dispute since 2020, RACS conducted multi-stakeholder engagements, which included the JV Venture partners, Local, Provincial, and National Government. Although the mediation process is still ongoing, considerable progress has been made and we envision a continuation of this progress.
THE NATIONAL LEKGOTLA 2020 ENGAGEMENT
RACS played a crucial role in supporting the National Department of Transport around the development of a new compact between the taxi industry and Government, in particular shaping the context, institutional, and other assessments for the National Taxi Lekgotla 2020. RACS provided strategic advice and support to the National Department of Transport, as it sought to create a new social compact and partnership with the taxi industry.
We conducted a status quo review of the taxi industry since 1996, taking into consideration the various contributions across the country and providing the necessary tools to support the National Taxi Lekgotla. The key areas for discussion over the three days were: leadership and unity, industry empowerment, industry regulation and industry professionalisation.