The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has announced a Steering Committee comprising transport planning experts, academics and specialists to assist the department in investigating and developing a 25 Year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25) for Gauteng. In his address, MEC Vadi mentioned that members were chosen on their technical knowledge and expertise in transport planning, research and related fields.
The Committee comprising twelve members and chaired by Mr Jack van der Merwe, Chairperson and CEO of Gautrain Management Agency is tasked with the development of an ITMP25, which will enable the Department, working with other spheres of government, to regulate, plan and develop an efficient and integrated transport system. The plan should also embody the principles of an efficient, competitive and responsive economic infrastructure network that prioritises public transport. The team has to come up with a five year short-term plan in 2011 and the 25 Year Plan by 2013.
The long term plan will assist all spheres of government to deliver a world class, sustainable transport system supporting the province's economic, social, cultural, environmental and developmental goals. The MEC announced that the Committee must establish the Consultative Forum comprising departmental senior managers and representatives from Metropolitan, District and Local Councils in Gauteng; the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA); the Civil Aviation Authority; Gauteng Blue IQ; the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); the bus, taxi and metered-taxi organisations; the Association of Consulting Engineers; the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors; labor unions and business organisations; the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA); commuter organisations; the national Department of Transport; the Gauteng City Region Observatory; the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA); Transnet; and the Gauteng Planning Commission. Interested parties may also be invited to join the process.
The objectives of the Consultative Forum are to discuss quarterly reports and make recommendations to the Committee. The Committee is to be guided by the vision to develop a long-term Integrated Transport Master Plan that promotes Gauteng as the economic powerhouse of Southern Africa; stimulate sustainable long-term economic growth; promote skills development and the creation of employment. The overall aim of the plan is also to transform society and create a better life for all in Gauteng.
