A new strategy to link transport with social, economic growth and development in Gauteng is being prepared, provincial transport minister Ignatius Jacobs said on Tuesday.
He told reporters in Johannesburg that part of the Transport Investment Framework will be to address traffic congestion and pressure on transport infrastructure resulting from urbanisation.
”The initiative, to be unveiled by the end of the year, will ensure that our province [Gauteng] has a reliable, safe and affordable public transport system.”
Jacobs said a plan for consensus-seeking in the taxi industry — which may result in a ”radical paradigm shift” — is being presented to taxi associations for consideration.
This will assist the department in locating the taxi industry in the broader context of transport and not viewing it separately as a ”black” transport challenge.
”We will put the industry firmly at the centre of the transformation of the provincial transport system,” he said.
”Broad-based black economic empowerment in the transport industry is critical to success of wealth creation and distribution.”
Jacobs said the department will soon make an announcement on the North/South and East/West roads infrastructure in the townships. This will enable townships to be part of the broad provincial transport system and help their residents gain easy access to main routes.
Townships earmarked include Mamelodi, Tembisa, Soweto, Atteridgeville, Alexandra and Vosloorus.
The department will pursue efforts to deal with taxi violence, he said.
”We will continue to work with security authorities to ensure the safety of commuters in taxis, and to deal with the perpetrators of violence,” Jacobs said.
”We will also continue with campaigns aimed at apprehending taxi drivers who operate illegally.” — Sapa