E-toll system on brink of collapse? – Outa
Following the resignation of Ben Theron, the chief operations officer of the Electronic Tolling Collection, Outa says, it is not at all surprised at this latest turn of events.
“Judging by the steady stream of complaints expressed by frustrated motorists, not only to Outa’s website, but to many other social media platforms, the picture of a system on the brink of collapse, or most certainly in a chaotic situation, has emerged, and it appears to be getting worse by the day,” says Outa spokesperson John Clarke.
He says that the complexity of the system was always going to be a challenge to even the most sophisticated and experienced managers and staff, because Intelligent Transportation Systems require more than mere cognitive intelligence in understanding high-tech computer and financial systems.
According to him, its success depends on the majority of users having an attitude of cooperation and enthusiasm for it to work effectively, and overcome problems.
In response to the Presidency’s press statement that “E-tolls are part of a broader infrastructure plan”, Outa treats this as typical “spin” aimed at trying to rationalise an ill-conceived scheme retrospectively.
However, trying to link E-tolls to all the other necessary and good developments happening in Gauteng’s transport space is a farce.
Upgrading these “alternative routes” mentioned was a normal and necessary overdue requirement anyway, to keep pace with the pressure placed on them and their role in supporting traffic flow to the areas they serve.
Clarke adds that whether the GFIP came along or not, these other “alternative” routes required the current upgrades anyway and in any event, these upgrades are still not viable alternatives for GFIP.
“The fact that the Bus Rapid Transport system (BRT) and other integrated public transport requirements are being addressed are matters that also required attention to alleviate years of poor public transport infrastructural requirements,” he says.
“The decision to toll as a means of extracting funds from society was wrong, and urgently needs to be revised,” says Wayne Duvenage, Outa chairperson.
He adds that from the outset of the plan, Outa’s members have reflected on a system that was impractical, inefficient and irrational, and which, in turn, would not garner the willing and committed support of society in order to make it work.
“This is precisely what we are seeing now and the extent and veracity of the complaints we are seeing has nothing to do with teething problems.
“These are the signs of a system that is teetering on the verge of collapse, and the authorities are taking a risk by forcing it onto an unrelenting and angry public.”
