A multi-faceted public transport system action plan, involving integrated metered taxis and long-distance public transport, has been announced by national Transport Minister Jeff Radebe.
Noting that about R9-billion has been allocated of the medium-term budget to public transport, Radebe told journalists — ahead of his department’s budget vote in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon — that the aim is to create “integrated rapid public transport networks”.
These would be an integrated package of rapid rail, bus rapid transit, taxi and metered taxi priority networks — especially in major cities.
“Integrated fare structures will be implemented through a common electronic fare system on all modes on the network — including the payment for park and ride facilities,” he noted. The aim is to start running the integrated fare system by January next year.
Networks would prioritise public transport, walking and cycling over private car use, he said.
The minister noted that the aim was to have 80% of existing taxis scrapped by 2009/10 — just before the 2010 Soccer World Cup. In addition he hoped to have 2Â 000 railway coaches upgraded by then.
The plan was approved earlier in March by the Cabinet.
The allocation for airport infrastructure over the next three years is R19,2-billion while a further R5,5-billion is earmarked for national roads infrastructure. R8,5-billion is earmarked for passenger rail infrastructure, the minister noted in a report to journalists. — I-Net Bridge