Radebe, MP Minister of Transport, Naledi Station, Soweto
3 July 2007
Programme Director
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo
MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Works, Ignatius Jacobs
South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Lucky Montana
Wits Regional Manager, Salani Sithole
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
This auspicious occasion is a true embodiment of a continued journey for the
revolution of our public transport system. It is therefore logical to locate
the Soweto Business Express within the broader framework of the Government
initiative to improve Public Transport System in view of our robust economic
development.
It is my duty this morning not to spoil your celebratory mood but to make a
few remarks on what the Soweto Business Express and the passenger rail service
mean in relation to our Public Transport Strategy and Plan. As government it
remains our resolve to achieve a high quality public transport network that
integrates rail, bus and taxis to form a single efficient and effective public
transport system. Our public transport strategy and plan serves as a beacon to
accelerate the urgent attainment of this objective in order to ensure full
access to economic and social opportunities by all our people.
It is only through an Accelerated Public Transport Modal Upgrade programme
and Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks that we will be able to create a
lasting legacy for our Public Transport with specific focus on the marginalized
rural communities and the urban poor. And I'm delighted to say that our Public
Transport Strategy and Plan does exactly that. Through our Strategy, the Basic
Commuter Operations is due for a complete overhaul characterised by among other
things a huge upgrade of modal fleet and facilities extended hours of operation
ranging between 16 to 24 hours; peak frequencies of five to ten minutes;
integrated feeder services including walking, cycling and taxi networks as well
as electronic fare integration and single ticketing system.
The concrete foundation of our planning hinges upon a proper integration of
Rail Priority Corridors, the Bus Rapid Transit Corridors, the improved
regulation of the Taxi industry through the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme
(TRP), as well as the completion of the Gautrain Rapid link. The building
blocks of our strategy also depend on our willingness to increase investment on
various modes of public transport and infrastructure. This underscores the
urgent need for greater investment which is already evident in various public
transport infrastructure projects such as:
* R8,5 billion for Passenger Rail Infrastructure
* R8,2 billion for Public Transport Infrastructure excluding rail
* R5,5 billion for National Roads Infrastructure
* R9,2 billion for the 2010 Public Transport Infrastructure Development
* R19,2 billion for airports infrastructure over a period of five years.
We have also invested R7,7 billion through the Taxi Recapitalisation
Programme, as part of transforming the taxi industry. More than 4 000 old taxis
have already been scrapped and 100 000 operating licenses approved as part of
our continued effort to regulate the taxi industry. We have also paid more than
R200 million scrapping allowances to the taxi operators.
Passenger Rail is a critical component of our endeavour to transform the
public transport system. And it remains a national competency even though the
South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) continues to work very closely
with Metros and other municipalities to ensure the delivery of rail services in
a manner that supports their integrated transport plans (ITPs).
I am also encouraged that the SARCC is taking concrete steps to implement
the National Rail Plan approved by Cabinet in December 2006. This plan has
given us the opportunity to secure the future for passenger rail within the
public transport system. It also reminds us that rail is the most appropriate
mode to effectively move people in large volumes as is currently the case
between Soweto and Johannesburg. As a result, the rail plan proposes in excess
of 40 new railway extensions.
The plan has specifically identified interventions targeted at various
corridors located within the greater Soweto areas such as the Bara-Link
Extension; the link into Nasrec without having to travel through New Canada;
the Nasrec track re-alignment. There is also a planned Naledi extension that
will open up opportunities and access to Dobsonville, Braam-Fischer communities
that currently do not enjoy access to rail services. These interventions will
enable Metrorail to enhance the efficiency of its operations and reduce travel
times for passengers using trains in Soweto.
The completion of the first phase of the consolidation of Metrorail into
South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) has laid the foundations for a
quantum improvement in rail services leading to 2010 Fifa World Cup. By end of
April 2008, we aim to complete the second phase of the consolidation process
with the transfer of Shosholoza Meyl to SARCC. This will allow SARCC to deliver
long distance and regional services using Shosholoza Meyl effectively. Through
the consolidation process, we are on course in creating a national passenger
rail company that will serve as a powerful instrument in transforming and
integrating public transport into a world class public transport system.
Shosholoza Meyl has a critical role in unleashing the development potential
of our rural people and its services should not only be about long-distance
services, but rather regional services within provinces as well. For example,
Shosholoza Meyl will have to provide new services between the areas of Mthatha
and East London, between Johannesburg and Rustenburg as well as Polokwane. It
will also play a major role in the preparations for 2010 Fifa World Cup
transporting spectators wishing to attend games between Johannesburg and Durban
as well as between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein.
The 2010 Soccer World Cup presents us with a unique opportunity to
accelerate the implementation of all these initiatives. Our public transport
system needs to remain a lasting legacy long after the last goal is scored. Our
set target of peak frequencies of 5 to 10 minutes particularly for rail service
cannot be achieved without proper investments in the rolling stock.
Our plan is to ensure that by 2010, there is a train available every five
minutes during peak periods. We will need to ensure that train services are
available for at least 14 to 16 hours a day. To this end, government has
committed almost R10 billion over the next three years to upgrade both rolling
stock and infrastructure over the next three years. Investment in operations
will also take over R6 billion during the same period.
As you are aware, the SARCC will construct a station next to the First
National Bank (FNB) Stadium as part of the 2010 Fifa World Cup preparations.
The Corporation intends to build a station next to the new Orlando Stadium and
also upgrade stations such as Langlaagte, New Canada and Naledi Stations as
well as the Doorfontein-Ellispark Station in Johannesburg. The Corporation is
also involved in addressing the challenges of integrating commuter rail with
the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link through the building of a new station at
Rhodesfield. Most of these interventions are already underway and should
contribute to the improvement of rail services leading to 2010.
I'm delighted to say that the introduction, today, of the Soweto Business
Express within the current rail environment is a commendable initiative and
will go a long way towards creating a culture of public transport among all
South Africans. It is an important development that will create the breeding
ground for the growth of public transport over private car use. I am aware that
Metrorail intends to introduce similar services in Cape Town, between
Johannesburg and Tshwane as well as in the Ethekwini Region within the coming
months.
This initiative recognises that the public transport market is not
homogeneous and that Metrorail is and should not be a service for only the
poor. Middle and higher income groups have a strong demand for safe and
reliable services, with strong emphasis on product offerings that offer speed,
comfort and convenience. We want to transform Metrorail so that it is capable
of delivering quality services that provide transport solutions for all South
Africans irrespective of social status, class and background.
The timing for the introduction of the Express is also very opportune given
the preparations for the World Cup. The Express will be used particularly to
transport visitors to the games to be held at FNB Stadium as well as Loftus in
Tshwane. We expect that the Express will also be deployed effectively by
Metrorail as part of our transport operations plan for both the Confederation
Cup in 2009 and ultimately the games in 2010. The Fifa family, international
visitors and our own people stand to benefit from improved mobility through the
Express service.
With those few words, I wish to commend Metrorail for this important
initiative. I wish to call on the private sector and public corporations to
join hands with Metrorail and purchase corporate packages for their employees.
In this way, we will be able to grow this enterprising initiative and ensure
that public transport gains ascendancy over private cars. Through increased use
of train services, we will be able to reduce congestion, road crashes and air
pollution. It is in the interest of the private sector to join hands with us in
the efforts to improve public transport for the better. An increase use of rail
will certainly result in functioning cities, improved productivity and a
cleaner environment for us and our children.
Viva Soweto Business Express Viva! I thank you!
Issued by: Department of Transport
3 July 2007
