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Pretoria - Tshwane's bus rapid transit (BRT) system will benefit the taxi industry, the Tshwane Regional Taxi Council said on Wednesday.
"This project is different. This is about empowerment and nothing else... we are embracing change," council chairperson Abner Tsebe said.
He was speaking at the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the City of Tshwane and the local taxi industry in Pretoria.
"We will be doing this differently compared to other cities, such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, because we do not want to repeat their mistakes."
He said the industry had been able to survive without government subsidies.
Government is now seeing the need to empower the industry, said Tsebe.
"The mayor wants to see billionaires created out of this project. We can actually own and run the BRT buses ourselves if we work together and are united."
Mayoral committee member for transport George Matjila, said the city regarded taxis as key players in the project.
"The taxi industry will play a major role, different from other areas. This agreement provides the rules of engagement as we begin this journey together," he said.
Construction work for the project had already begun in the capital city, he said.
