Radebe, MP, Minister of Transport, Durban
4 July 2007
Programme Director, Dr Michael Sutcliffe
Executive Mayor, Obed Mlaba
MEC Bheki Cele
Executive councillors
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
The African National Congress (ANC) government has shown considerable
foresight in delivering a transport system capable of supporting a continued
success of our economic and social development. History provides many
compelling examples of the transport role in economic transformation. For
instance, the transport revolution drove industrialisation. It also created our
great cities and gave birth to international trade and globalisation. Even
today transport corridors are the major arteries of domestic and international
trade.
But how do we then ensure that the public transport system continues to
support sustainable cities and reduce private car dependency? I suppose being
smart with our policy and strategic options we are most likely to deliver an
appropriate answer to this question. Key to this challenge will be to fast
track the implementation of our Public Transport Strategy and plan with strong
emphasis on an accelerated Modal Upgrade Programme and integrated rapid public
transport networks characterised by modal fleet and facilities upgrade,
extended hours of operation, peak frequencies of five to 10 minutes, integrated
feeder services including walking, cycling and taxi networks and single
ticketing system.
The main focus of our strategy is a mode based vehicle recapitalisation into
Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTNs) comprising of a package of
Rapid Rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) priority corridors, especially in major
cities with feeder systems of smaller buses, taxis, pedestrian access as well
as metered taxis.
Linked to the strategy is our National Passenger Road Plan, which is the
framework for the integration of road based public transport systems across the
country. Key to this plan is the objective to improve accessibility, mobility
and limited walking distances. I'm in no doubt that the key challenge is to
ensure transport networks that support the success of growing urban catchments
and key inter urban corridors.
There is also a pressing need to link the public transport networks to major
long distance stations and terminals but also to upgrade and expand long
distance rail services as part of integrated rapid public transport networks.
I'm glad to announce that the South African Rail Commuter Corporation
(SARCC)/Metrorail have already begun with the implementation of the National
Rail Passenger Plan. This plan serves as our map for the future passenger rail
service with stronger emphasis on the restoration of the rail network,
efficient routes and priority corridors as a vital part of our integrated
network. The completion of the consolidation of Metrorail and Shosholoza Meyl
into SARCC will also ensure a great improvement of both short and long distance
services leading up to 2010 FIFA World Cup.
It is vividly clear that by 2020, passenger movements in the cities will
more than double and traffic will grow tremendously. We therefore need to rise
to the occasion by ensuring increased investment to maintain and improve our
public transport system. South Africa cannot build itself out of the current
road congestion and where road space is limited this needs to be utilised
efficiently. This is where the demand for investment on infrastructure and
public transport services is already strong and further growth is projected.
This year, our investment on public transport ranging from roads to public
transport including rail, buses and transport infrastructure is more than R70
billion equivalent to a sizeable percentage of our gross domestic product
(GDP).
This requires of us to do things differently through rigorous
prioritisation. We have also taken a hard look at the evolving patterns of
local and regional public transport journeys, in order to ensure public
transport solutions that are targeted and visible on the ground. Our strategy
is to reduce congestion and private car dependency by offering attractive,
efficient and reliable public transport system. Yesterday, I attended a ground
breaking launch of the luxurious Soweto Business Express which is one good
example that will assist passenger rail to claim its rightful place as a mass
mover of our people. The delivery of bus services in the cities is another
important area for proper investment.
Some municipalities and cities including eThekwini have already formulated
clear strategies in their Integrated Transport Plans by ensuring that public
transport is given higher priority in the provision of transport infrastructure
and facilities.
This will include the development of proper infrastructure such as bus
stations, ranks and interchanges. Our objective is to provide a modern and
attractive public transport system offering seamless travel with integrated
network, high frequency and reduced travel time.
I'm glad to say that the launch of the Durban People Mover is the step in
the right direction in the attainment of this objective. The People Mover will
deliver a world class public transport system that is safe, comfortable and
reliable. And it is intended to ultimately reduce traffic congestion within the
inner city of eThekwini.
With its exceptional features such as high security, entertainment,
disability access, the People Mover will assist us in achieving a public
transport system that places over 85 percent of metropolitan city population
within 1 kilometre of an Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network. We also
want to achieve a mode shift of 20% of private car usage to public transport
networks in order to cut down on traffic congestion on our roads.
I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate eThekwini Metro for
the sterling work. But also to take this opportunity and encourage the
residents of eThekwini to save their hard earned money by using the affordable,
safe and reliable Durban People Mover.
I thank you!
Issued by: Department of Transport
4 July 2007
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.transport.gov.za/)
