2 October 2007
MEC Ignatius Jacobs launched Public Transport Month (PTM) campaign on 1
October 2007 at the Birchwood Executive Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. The
campaign, which takes place during the month of October, is a vehicle through
which government and public transport stakeholders commit to improving the
quality of public transport, showcase the successes and deal with challenges
facing the sector. The campaign was first launched in 2005.
This year's theme: 'Strengthening a broad partnership to improve public
transport' indicates the willingness on the part of provincial department to
engage and invite stakeholders to participate in the pursuance of a quality,
safe, affordable and accessible transport system in the province. This is a
strategic intervention and platform for all role players to debate different
views, opinions and strategies and arrive at a common understanding on how to
tackle the problems surrounding public transport.
Public Transport Month campaign will, among others, focus on the
following:
* the Launch of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Women's
Co-operative for the Clean Up of Public Transport Facilities, in Ekurhuleni
Metro
* the launch of the Gauteng Transport Management Agency, in order to ensure
increased coordination and consolidation of transport initiatives across the
province
* the Car Free Day Concert, on 20 October, where the department will be
promoting the concept of park and ride facilities
* the implementation of the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane on the M1 North,
between Columbine Avenue and Crown Interchange, from the 15 to 19 October
2007
* the sod-turning of the K15 that links the City of Joburg and the West Rand
Municipal District.
Key public transport stakeholders in the province are supportive of the
initiatives of the department in trying to improve the state of public
transport in general. Such stakeholders include Gauteng Taxi Council (Gataco),
Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA), South African Bus Operators Association
(Saboa) and Gauteng Commuter Organisation (GCO).
The Gauteng event follows the national campaign launch by the Minister of
Transport, Jeff Radebe on 30 September 2007 at the OR Tambo Airport. In his
speech at the launch, the Minister said: "As we embark on our third attempt at
it, the real test will be whether it delivers the desired message and prompts
all South Africans to play their part. Over the years ordinary South Africans
have been stalwarts in their support for this campaign and the campaign has
proved to be an excellent example of accountability on service delivery."
Issued by: Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works, Gauteng
Provincial Government
2 October 2007
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za)
