Rail remains the core of our public transport system - Vadi
MEC Ismail Vadi unpacked a number of key achievements whilst also hinting on a number of concerns the department has regarding some of the departmental projects.
Delivering his annual report debate speech at the Gauteng Legislature on Wednesday, MEC reiterated that rail remains “the core of our public transport system as it is a mass mover of commuters with a dedicated right of way”. He added that its efficiency is pivotal for a functioning Gauteng city-region.
On Gautrain, the MEC indicated that the initiative to procure 12 new train sets for the rapid rail system is aimed at meeting rising passenger demand. He mentioned that a competitive procurement process is being followed, where seven potential bidders drew the Request-for-Qualification documents to supply the new trains.
From these, three pre-qualified bidders, namely, Bombardier Transport (Pty) Ltd; CRRC E-Loco Supply (Pty) Ltd, and Egoli Rail Consortium, were selected to participate in the next stage of the process. The Request-for-Proposal documents were issued to bidders with final bids expected by May 2017.
The MEC indicated that Gauteng commuters continue to benefit from the 34 subsidized bus contracts. Referring to increasing number of complaints by commuters, he said this was concerning.
“Breakdowns, busses arriving late or not at all and the poor mechanical conditions of busses is becoming more common, and is a matter of grave concern to the department, Vadi said. He added that ‘subsidized bus services are at the heart of commuters’ livelihoods”.
MEC Vadi also announced that the department has begun with the preparations for placing the contracts on tender in terms of applicable law.
On minibus taxi industry, he mentioned that the minibus taxi summit has created an enabling environment for greater co-operation between government and the industry.
He added that since the summit in July, two Taxi Licensing Outreach Programmes were initiated, which saw 5028 minibus taxi operators being assisted with their Operating License applications, SARS registration and “concurrencies” with municipalities supporting specific applications. He said that the Joint Taxi Working Group has subsequently met to review draft resolutions.
He also announced that the department has appointed the CSIR to assist with the mapping of all taxi routes in the province. This exercise is expected to produce a geo-coded, electronic database of all minibus taxi routes and assist in resolving route disputes between associations and operators.
MEC Vadi said that “the establishment of a Gauteng Transport Authority is a far sighted initiative that in the coming years will transform the way in which public transport is planned, co-ordinated and rendered to residents”. Adding that planning for an e-ticket, which includes minibus taxis though a private sector initiative, is gaining steady momentum.
He outlined the significance of the Integrated Fare Management System, saying that when it is ultimately in place “it would be an invaluable tool for data gathering on commuter travel patterns and transport planning”.
He also mentioned that the department’s plan to build a new highway, the PWV15, gives further impetus to the development of the Aerotropolis and the Eastern Corridor.
“The highway is a 35km long North-South freeway, forming part of the Gauteng strategic road network. It is situated a short distance east of the ORTIA and will provide an eastern bypass to the airport precinct. The PWV15 will link Anderbolt, Dunswart, Wadeville and Boksburg East Industrial areas, leading up to the N3 at the Tambo Springs Freight Hub,” Vadi said.
The MEC stressed that the department remains focused on achieving “an integrated and efficient transport system in Gauteng that promotes sustainable economic growth, skills development and job creation, fosters quality of life, socially includes all communities and preserves the environment”.
He also reaffirmed that the department will continue to award, through the open tender system, all its projects above R50 million.
For more information, please contact:
Melitah Madiba
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