9 February 2006
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe has today called for tough action following
the most recent bus accidents around the country, especially those involving
learners.
Conveying his message of condolences to the family of the two learners who
lost their lives, and wishing a speedy recovery to victims from the recent bus
accident transporting learners in the Western Cape, Radebe noted that innocent
lives of many learners are being lost and scores of them injured "which is a
clear indication that there is a serious problem that requires firm, decisive
action by government," he said.
Consequently, the Minister has today; instructed the Road Traffic Management
Corporation (RTMC) to institute measures, in accordance with provisions of its
founding legislation and that of the National Road Traffic Act, to ensure
adherence to safety requirements and standards by all bus operators, especially
those transporting school children. Law enforcement agencies need to adopt a
zero tolerance attitude in ensuring that buses transporting learners meet basic
safety standards and are subjected to regular testing at approved testing
stations across the country.
In cases of accidents involving un-roadworthy buses, the Minister has
instructed the RTMC to ensure that testing stations and officials responsible
for issuing certificates to un-roadworthy buses and/or other passenger vehicles
must account and be held liable for their actions.
The Minister instructed the Department of Transport to liaise with the
Department of Education as a matter of extreme urgency with the view to
incorporating the relevant safety standards into contracts providing transport
for learners, currently under the auspices of the Provincial Department of
Education.
Provincial Transport Departments will also assist with the implementation of
measures in ensuring that learner transport is managed in a manner that is
reliable, safe and provides comfort to our learners.
Meanwhile, the Minister is set to publish a final Model Tender Document
(MTD) which will further enhance safety standards for buses and other vehicles
involved in subsidised public transport services, before the end of February.
At the heart of this document are Government's efforts to encourage operators
to renew their fleet within a defined period.
"Government has created an environment of certainty within which bus
operators should invest in their fleet and human skills. Therefore investment
in human skills, invest in bus drivers and workers in this industry, investment
in the bus fleet and machinery, and regular maintenance remain key to a safe
and reliable public transport, which must adequately meet the needs of our
learners," Radebe concluded.
Enquiries:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Tel: (012) 309 3214
Issued by: Ministry of Transport
9 February 2006
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.transport.gov.za)
