25 May 2006
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe and Provincial Transport MECs (Transport
MINMEC) met in Cape Town yesterday. A number of issues were presented to MINMEC
including an impressive progress on the implementation of the Freight Logistics
Strategy with corridors such as Gauteng-Durban, Gauteng-Cape Town and Maputo
being a priority for government.
MINMEC also expressed its satisfaction with the progress made in
implementing the Taxi Recap Programme. It was noted that 80 percent of the taxi
operators have already applied for the conversion of permits to operating
licences ahead of the 31st May 2006 deadline. MINMEC re-emphasised that there
will be no extension of the deadline for the conversion. It was also agreed
that the announcement of the Scrapping Administration Agency should be made
next week.
The Model Tender Contract Document was also approved by MINMEC paving way
for stiffer competition in the tendering and awarding of bus contracts as well
as participation of the taxi industry within the bus subsidy system.
A decision was taken to intensify the October Transport Month campaign for
2006 within the context of highlighting the improvements of public transport
system and its role in the country's economy as well as in reducing traffic
congestion.
Progress was noted on the:
* implementation of the Integrated Rural Mobility and Access Project
* development of the National Transport Master Plan
* finalisation of the Transport BEE charter
* skills development within the Transport Sector
Enquiries: Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Issued by: Department of Transport
25 May 2006
Source: SAPA
