Cape Town's rapid transport system was "foundering a little bit", Planning Minister Trevor Manuel said on Thursday.

Addressing the Standard Bank Africa forum in the city, he said Johannesburg had piloted the Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system.

"This city, Cape Town, is foundering a little bit," he said.

"We hope that they will have it up and running by the kick-off in June.

"Pretoria is making some headway, not as fast as Johannesburg."

Johannesburg launched its bus rapid transit system at the beginning of September this year.

Manuel's remarks come a day after Cape Town mayor Dan Plato told his council that the City was undertaking a "strategic review" of its IRT system to ensure it stayed cost efficient.

The budget of the project has soared from the initial R1.3-billion to an estimated R4.2-billion for the first phase.

Plato confirmed on Wednesday that it would run at an operating deficit of some R125-million a year.

The IRT project is a key part of the city's preparations for the 2010 soccer World Cup.

It will involve buses on dedicated lanes on key routes across the city.

Sapa

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