When it was first announced that the 2010 World Cup Tournament was going to be held in South Africa, many people were concerned with the state of the political sector, the crime, the lack of adequate services be that transportation issues and enough boutique hotels.  South Africa was relying at that time on the taxis and minibuses, and that would not have been able to support the thousands of fans and spectators that will hit the cities of Johannesburg and Capetown for the games.

However last week, in the largest South African city, Johannesburg, the rapid transit bus system was rolled out.  The city had the goal of rectifying this problem far ahead of the date for the games, to ensure the prospective travelers and tourists of the world that yes, South Africa is safe and yes they are prepared.  The previous system was a bit sketchy as the buses themselves were run down and dilapidated, and were known for their large number of horrible crashes over the years.

The new buses are painted bright red and blue with detailed steel and metal work and glass.  They make quite a different impression than the older deadly fleet of buses.  The buses cost less to ride than the taxis, they are quicker, cleaner and safer.  These new buses were the cause of controversy when they were first in the planning stages, as the bus drivers and the taxi drivers threatened to protest.

This did nothing for the city of Johannesburg, and created an environment in which people from neighboring villages were afraid to come into the city.  But the opposition by the other drivers did not stop the city, and now the results are astounding.  The bus ride from the neighboring town of Soweto will now be almost half the cost that it was previously.  Now the city is working on still violent threats made by the taxi drivers, and their goal is to reach a solution far in advance of the beginning of the World Cup.

Related posts:

1. South Africa’s “City of Gold”
2. Taking the Garden Route Through South Africa
3. South African Cheeses
4. South Yorkshire Castles
5. Giro del Capo