The Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTNs) developed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup will accelerate improvements in public transport in South Africa, making it the first African country to have such facilities. Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said: "South Africa’s Public Transport Strategy (PTS), which comprises a multi billion rand transport infrastructure plan, will entirely reshape public transport travel in South Africa.
At the core of the plan is a high quality Integrated Mass Rapid Public Transport Network that includes taxi, bus and rail services. The PTS aims to accelerate the improvement in public transport by establishing integrated rapid public transport networks (IRPTNs), which will introduce priority rail corridors and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in cities. The strategy is expected to improve public transport services for over half the country’s population.
The long term goal of the PTS is to have 85% of a metropolitan city's population within one kilometre of the network. Above all else, the network will provide a transport service that is clean, comfortable, reliable, fast, secure, safe and affordable.
"Last week on 16 July, the City of Cape Town announced that an improved inner city public transport route will be launched later this year. In Johannesburg, Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay, construction of IRPTN infrastructure is well on track. Other cities including eThekwini and Mbombela have invested in public transport infrastructure. Overall the commitment to the IRPTNs is over R6 billion up to 2010/11 with an additional R8.5 billion planned for the next two years.
This is over and above the more than R25 billion allocated to improving the passenger rail system over the next three years.
"South Africa is fast on its way to becoming the first country in Africa to have rapid public transport networks. It is going to change the face of this country and will create more opportunities for work and tourism," said Minister Ndebele.
Enquiries:Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
