Ironing out BRT our final 2010 hurdle?

The key ingredients to ensure the successful hosting of a mega sporting event are security, state-of-the-art stadia, sufficient accommodation, the buy-in of the public and, of course, an efficient transport system.

In terms of South Africa’s 2010 World Cup preparations, the country is on target to meet four of these five requirements. Sweeping measures are being implemented to ensure the estimated 350 000 foreign visitors — and millions of locals — will be safe while our magnificent new stadia are expected to meet Fifa’s deadlines.

With the political (and constitutional) crisis behind us and Jacob Zuma clearing the first 100 days of his presidency with flying colours, the mood at the moment is exceptionally upbeat. In addition, plans are well advanced to ensure that every 2010 visitor is accommodated — either in some of the world’s finest hotels, B&Bs or in (cheap and cheerful) university hostels.

But with all highs, there are lows. And the transport industry, the massive machinery tasked with ensuring the free flow of visitors to — and within — the country during the month-long event is experiencing major teething pains. When Fifa gave South Africa a 7.5 out of 10 rating for its hosting of the Confederations Cup, the major gripe was the congestion with the park-and-ride system.

That said, a number of initiatives have been introduced to ensure there are no hiccups during an event that is many times the size of the “Festival of Champions”. These include the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and upgrading of airports, railways and roads. With everyone seeking a slice of the World Cup pie, it is inevitable that many of these 2010-related initiatives will have difficulty satisfying everyone. The planned strike by taxi operators protesting against the BRT system looks set to test the resolve of government, the police and World Cup organisers.

But at the end of the day the World Cup will go ahead and we can take some comfort in the fact that we are not the only country forced to deal with labour disputes ahead of a major sporting event. In 1998, World Cup host nation France was nearly crippled by a national transport strike on the eve of the tournament.