BRT a good system, just needs buy-in from all stakeholders – Transport Committee Chair
The Portfolio Committee on Transport will in the near future undertake oversight visits to all the municipalities that are implementing Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN), focusing on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in an attempt to understand the challenges that the municipalities are facing.
The Committee this week interrogated BRT rollout plans, especially from those municipalities that have not started to implement. The Committee Chairperson Ms Dikeledi Magadzi said there were lessons learnt during the phases of implementation of the system.
Ms Magadzi said it was imperative that quality, reliable and affordable transport is availed to the people.
“This is one service delivery imperative that cannot wait as it must impact on bettering the lives of the people. Reliable transport is needed to better link our people with economic opportunities. This is in line with government objectives of infrastructure development and also radical economic transformation,” said Ms Magadzi.
“This is the system that must complement the service offered by the minibus taxis and rail. The transport sector is central to any social, economic and environmental activities, hence as a country we need to put emphasis on improvement and innovation in public transport,” she said.
Implementing cities like the City of Cape Town, City of Johannesburg and the City of Tshwane presented their expansion plans and the lessons from the initial phases, while other cities presented their plans pending implementation.
Ms Magadzi said the IPTN, through BRT, is a good system whose implementation needs thorough monitoring, well maintained infrastructure, and a buy-in from all stakeholders in the sector. “This is an area we cannot fail as a country. Municipalities must better start implementing their plans so that people are linked with economic activities throughout the country,” she said.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi (Mr)
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
