Seven bids were received yesterday, when the bidding process was closed for the development of a Provincial Integrated Public Transport Master Plan.
This paves the way for the evaluation of the bids and appointment of a service provider that will develop a plan, which the MEC for Transport, Thandiswa Marawu, promised when she presented the 2011/12 Policy Speech at the Eastern Cape Legislature four months ago.
She said the purpose of the plan was to address the unique needs of the province, while simultaneously improving linkages with other public transport networks, including rail and road-based transportation.
“This plan will serve as our compass moving forward, especially with regard to future public transport systems planning, funding, infrastructure development and operations. We believe that through this plan, we can improve connectivity among our people,” said MEC Marawu.
The new approach will enable the province to contribute in the countrywide re-engineering of public transport, which seeks to, among others:
- Create integrated public transport systems in appropriate urban areas where population density can make such systems more viable
- Corporatise the taxi industry to improve access for the people, especially the vulnerable groups (disabled and elderly) to safe, reliable and affordable public transport
- Reposition public transport to contribute in rural development as a priority of government in order to improve access to economic opportunities and essential services for our people.
Media contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca (Director: Communications)
Cell: 082 5626 023
