transport revamp for world cup
29 March 2007

Jeff Radebe, Tranport Minister said in his budget speech in the National Assembly yesterday, "Integrated rapid public transport networks would be introduced in at least nine Soccer World Cup host cities by 2010, and hopefully three other cities and six districts as well".

Radebe provided details of the public transport strategy and action plan, which was approved by the cabinet last week. The strategy, covering the period 2007 to 2020, aimed to radically transform and upgrade basic commuter operations and create integrated, rapid public transport networks.

Creating an efficient, accessible, safe and affordable public transport system was critical for government to combat traffic congestion caused by excessive use of private vehicles and to ensure easy commuting between city centres and far-flung communities. This includes sophisticated security systems; electronic fare integration and single ticketing when making transfers; and an integrated feeder service including walking, cycling and taxi networks.

The aim was to ensure 85% of all residents in urban areas were within 1km of a rapid public transport network by 2020, Radebe said.

The strategy envisaged integrating rail, bus, taxis and metered taxis into rapid transit networks in all major cities by 2020. The networks would include priority rail corridors and bus rapid transit systems with dedicated road space for public transport, walking and cycling.

“This is an ambitious programme for the overhaul of public transport and will require a concerted effort by the three spheres of government and all other stakeholders,” transport director-general Mpumi Mpofu told reporters. Special transport authorities would have to be created to plan, manage and regulate the proposed networks.

DA transport spokesman Stuart Farrow called on Radebe to launch a probe into corruption allegations against former transport minister Mac Maharaj regarding the award of the credit-card driving licence tender to Prodiba, a Schabir Shaik company.

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