Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Dr Ismail Vadi has praised the Intelligent Transport Society of South Africa (ITSSA) for their continued role in contributing to the skills development, capacity building and training in the transport industry.
The MEC said that given the existing shortage of professional engineers, engineering technical and qualified supporting personnel, ITS SA's contribution in helping to solve current and future transport challenges should be applauded.
Vadi was speaking at the 7th iTransport International Conference and Exhibition held at the Gallagher Convention Center on Tuesday.
Held under the theme: “Enabling Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Integration", the conference focused on the enabling role of information, innovation, intelligence and integration in solving transport challenges.
The conference also put emphasis on benchmarking local expertise against international standards and showcased delivery of transport and ITS projects.
Vadi said that the transport industry was at a critical juncture at the moment and integration and improvement of the industry was of vital importance.
"A good transport system has the ability of redesigning and changing the social landscape. For us to achieve that, partnerships with private sector as well as investments in transport infrastructure are critical," Vadi said.
He further praised ITS SA's partnerships with the International Public Transport Association, adding that sharing of ideas, expertise and knowledge was vital.
ITS SA is a multi-disciplinary field of expertise that applies innovative solutions and technology applications to the transport arena. As an Industry Body, it represents public and private sector stakeholders in applying ITS solutions.
The aim with ITS applications is to make transport operations more efficient, improve safety and security within transport, make using transport more people-friendly as well as reduce carbon footprint of the transport sector.
Vadi further added that ITS applications tie with Gauteng's 25-year Transport Master Plan in that they also include Traffic Management to ease congestion. MEC cautioned that there was a real threat to the future if 'we continue on the existing path'.
He called on all the stakeholders in the transport fraternity, town planners, township developers, environmentalists, academics, the private sector and labour unions to work with the department in bringing the plan to fruition.
For more information:
Ms Octavia Mamabolo
Tel: 011 355 7300
Cell: 082 316 8666
E-mail: Octavia.Mamabolo@gauteng.gov.za
