With 2010 FIFA World Cup participating teams already starting to arrive in South Africa, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has said that transport plans for the World Cup are well on track.
“As Government, we are confident that the integrated transport infrastructure and networks of the country will meet the needs of the FIFA World Cup. Government has invested more than R40 billion on public transport infrastructure for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to ensure that the tournament leaves a rich legacy for our country and continent.
“The country’s three main airports, OR Tambo International, Cape Town International and the newly-built King Shaka International in KwaZulu-Natal, are ready to receive the thousands of additional travellers. The smaller airports in Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, Kimberly and Upington have also been upgraded and are an important link in the integrated transport approach for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“Transport infrastructure for the World Cup is in line with the country’s long-term developmental goals. The Integrated Rapid Transport Networks, the Gautrain as well as the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project form an integral part of the legacy that the tournament will leave behind for our people.
“All 2010 FIFA World Cup Host Cities are ready to implement and roll-out their operational transport plans. We also have an inter-provincial and regional transport system in place, operated by an Operating Management Entity (OME). The taxi industry is to provide a fleet of between 300 to 400 midi-buses to ferry spectators around the country, while 110 commuter buses from Autopax will complement these services.
“The fleet of taxis and buses will be additional to existing transport services in the country. Fleet usage will be dependent on demand that is generated for the service and ticket sales.
“Inland and coastal services will also be on offer. There will be a service between Pretoria, OR Tambo International Airport and Johannesburg hubs and Rustenburg, Polokwane, Mbombela and Bloemfontein. On the coast there will be a service from Knysna to Cape Town, via Wilderness, George and Mossel Bay, and back. There will be a service from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, via George and Wilderness and back. From East London spectators will be able to travel to Port Elizabeth, via King William's Town and Grahamstown and back.
Further up the coast services will run between Richards Bay and Durban, Wild Coast Sun and Durban and between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Prices will range from R140 to R300 for a one way trip.
“The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has upgraded its rail infrastructure, increasing mobility and accessibility for commuters during the tournament.
“All modes of transport during the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be closely monitored to ensure that they operate efficiently. Transport operations will be monitored by the national transport command centre, a 24-hour call centre and an interactive website www.findyourway2010.co.za. The transport command and call centre will coordinate and manage the implementation of our 2010 transport plans in conjunction with provinces and host cities.
Real time traffic and transport information will feed into the command centre to enable quick decision making and responses to incidents.
“Our road safety plans will be coordinated and monitored by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) who will ensure appropriate traffic law enforcement on identified routes with high traffic volumes. Routes leading to and from host cities, airports, hotels, stadia, fan parks, public viewing areas and other places of interest will receive priority attention from our traffic law enforcement officials.
"It is not just about sport, it is now truly about Transport", said Minister Ndebele.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
26 May 2010
