Transport System Project by Mr Jeff Radebe, MP, Minister of Transport, Midrand
Fire Station
29 September 2006
Free State MEC Mohai
Limpopo MEC Motimele
North West MEC Thibedi
Director-General Mpumi Mpofu
Government officials
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
It is ironic that South Africa is faced with the ever-increasing traffic
congestion due to no other reason but the high level of economic growth. The
launch of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) could not have come at a
better time to address this particular challenge.
It is fitting that this technological achievement coincides with the
official launch of the October Transport Month Campaign 2006 declared by
Transport Lekgotla as a conscious decision to promote sustainable transport
solutions such as walking, cycling, public transport, and high occupancy
vehicles. The national Transport Month Campaign is now permanently engraved in
the calendar as a government initiative to raise awareness on the importance of
transport in South Africa's economy and also to showcase government's
initiatives in improving all spheres of transport service delivery,
particularly public transport.
In particular, attention is focused on the concrete steps being taken by
national and provincial government to ensure increased use of public transport;
affordability of public transport; promotion of access to public transport; and
the promotion of a safer public transport system. We are therefore under no
illusions about the magnitude of the task at hand and the obligation we have in
ensuring that the public transport system is responsive to national policy
imperatives and contributes meaningfully to economic growth and
development.
Increasing traffic congestion makes it impossible to sustain the economic
growth of a city like Johannesburg on the basis of private car use. For
instance, on a daily basis there are about 160 000 cars moving between Tshwane
and Johannesburg on the Ben Schoeman highway.
The future economic prosperity of South Africa depends on increased
investment on public transport system. Our slogan, which says "Transport- the
Heartbeat of South Africa's economy", captures the essence of the role of
transport. Cities like Tshwane, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban require a
world-class infrastructure and transport system that maximises economic
efficiency.
* This year alone we have invested R 2,8 billion in improving our rail
operations and infrastructure. By 2008, 5 000 police personnel would be
deployed in all railway stations and passenger trains.
* R 7,7 billion is being invested in the taxi industry as part of the Taxi
Recapitalisation programme.
* We have invested R 2,3 billion in the bus industry as part of our bus subsidy
system.
* R3, 8 billion is being invested in the public transport infrastructure in
preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
* The construction of the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link has started and will go a
long way in addressing traffic congestion in Gauteng.
* One million bicycles are being distributed over a period of ten years across
the country, targeting learners and adults who walk long distances.
* Travel Demand Management strategies including dedicated lanes for public
transport and High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) will also incentivise private car
users to move to public transport.
Multi-faceted initiatives are being implemented to influence road users'
behaviour to rethink their travelling choices. Chief among these is the
Intelligent Transport System that will go a long way in improving road safety
and reducing traffic congestion.
The Intelligent Transport System, called ITS in short, is a system whose
purpose is to transmit real-time traffic and road conditions information to
ordinary road users, traffic authorities and emergency services so that they
can make informed decisions in response to traffic delays and bad road
conditions.
South Africa has not tested this system until now, I am therefore pleased to
announce the start of a five-year ITS pilot project that will focus
particularly on the Ben Schoeman Highway.
More than R 51 million has been invested in this project. 90 cameras and 19
variable message signs have been installed throughout the Ben Schoeman highway
to capture and transmit traffic information for road users. Our intention is to
utilise technology to provide useful information for a less stressful driving
experience.
In practical terms, this means road users will no longer rely on radio
traffic reports, but will instead receive real-time traffic information from
the ITS in order to make informed decisions in cases of delays and bad road
conditions. It means emergency services will be more responsive to emergency
situations and will be in a position to save more lives. It also means traffic
authorities will be more responsive to hazardous incidents and delays, thereby
contributing to road safety. But most importantly, ITS will assist tremendously
in combating vehicle crimes, identification of expired vehicle licences and
outstanding traffic fines.
As you are certainly aware, the extent of our existing freeway network is
limited in terms of adequately supporting the ITS system. Not many alternative
freeways are available to divert traffic in the event of traffic incidents and
bad road conditions. We are therefore looking at a freeway network expansion in
conjunction with the ITS to optimise road network operations. This will include
the construction of the motorway between Sandton and Pretoria West, and between
Soweto and Ekurhuleni involving all three spheres of government led by South
Africa National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
It is our intention to ensure that, at a later stage, ITS traffic
information is transmitted through the airwaves (radio and television) and
cellphones to enable road users to plan their travel schedule, before and
during their trips.
We are seriously moving into the ITS technology which will translate into
direct investment and job opportunities. I would also like to assure the ITS
fraternity that the South African government is pro-actively supporting the
implementation of ITS in an integrated and planned way.
The positive effects and benefits that are realised through ITS have been
demonstrated time and time again in many countries. We are in the fortunate
position to be able to learn from the world, and apply ITS in South Africa. We
believe that the implementation of ITS will most certainly go a long way in
contributing towards an improved, efficient and integrated transport
system.
Let me extend my gratitude to the South African National Roads Agency
Limited, the Gauteng Department of Transport, the Johannesburg Roads Agency,
the Tshwane and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Councils for making this project a
success.
In conclusion, I also believe that the October Transport Month will once
again highlight the importance of unity and partnership in addressing South
Africa's transport challenges.
Viva ITS Viva
Viva October Transport Month Viva
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Transport
29 September 2006
Source: SAPA
