Public transport under review
Nombini Matomela
26 May 2004
South Africa's public transport system is being reviewed, with special consideration being given to the mismatch between current subsidies and the types of public transport most used by commuters.
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said the review was important because although commuter taxis were currently not subsidised, they were used by about 60 percent of South Africans who relied on public transport.
Radebe said the review would also underpin the merger of Metrorail, Shosholoza Meyl and the South African Rail Commuter Corporation.
"This merged entity will reside under the Department of Transport, allowing Spoornet to concentrate on the core business of freight logistics", Radebe told the media in Parliament on Monday.
The review would help to establish an "efficient, widespread and affordable" public transport system covering rail, taxis and buses, Radebe said.
The department also plans to develop a comprehensive transport
logistics, strategy and investment plan by November 2004.
Radebe said there had been a lower level of investment in the transport sector. Since 2001, about R4-billion has been spent on transport infrastructure for buses, roads and rail, as well as a R1-billion once-off investment in airport construction and refurbishment.
The department estimates the current maintenance backlog for commuter rail at about R15-billion.
Radebe added that the department has established a committee to oversee the improvement of the country's public transport system ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Source: BuaNews
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