The South African Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, recently delivered an executive statement in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on her department’s efforts to provide safe, reliable, effective, efficient and fully integrated transport operations and infrastructure that meet the needs of freight and passengers.
She told the NCOP that her department and the relevant entities in the transport sector remain committed to ensuring safe and reliable movement of people and goods. The planned reforms, she said, will include the introduction of modern technology, private-sector participation in rail and port operations, strengthened security to fight theft and vandalism of infrastructure, and a review of the taxi recapitalisation programme and the bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
The Minister emphasised the fact that an efficient and safe transport system is the lifeblood of a nation and a key to sustainable economic growth. “A functioning transport system carries job seekers to employment opportunities, safely transport learners to school and enables goods and commodities to be exported to new markets,” Ms Creecy said.
“However, in recent years our transport systems have not functioned optimally. Widespread theft and vandalism have negatively affected our rail network, inefficiencies in our ports and border logistics systems have led to severe backlogs and goods not being able to leave our ports timeously,” she continued.
Minister Creecy believes these improvements in the transport sector will help unlock economic opportunities and improve our lives.
“Emerging from a period of vandalism and infrastructure theft, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has made strides to improve the availability of passenger rail services. Thirty-four out of 40 lines have re-entered service following an extensive programme of station and depot refurbishment. The Metrorail fleet has been upgraded making safer and affordable transport available”, the Minister said, listing some of the achievements.
The transport department has also enacted a number of new policies that will see Transnet meet pre-Covid levels; these include the freight logistics roadmap, the security of rail network and the establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee.
Many commuters still use taxis and, as a result, the minibus taxi industry cannot be excluded from planning and policy development in the transport space, said the Minister. “We need to review the taxi recapitalisation programme; we have listened to the industry, and we are aware that the current dispensation is too expensive and unaffordable for many drivers and owners. We need to properly integrate all modes of public transport for passengers to move safely and timeously from one destination to another,” she said.
The Minister also told the NCOP that the BRT system is not working well in many municipalities and needs to be reviewed.
NCOP delegates then had an opportunity to comment on the Minister’s executive statement. Mr Baakisang Mabebo of the African National Congress was the first to declare his party’s support for the provision of a safe, efficient and fully integrated transport system, adding that it is a critical input for economic development. “We commend PRASA for the recovery of the passenger train system and more progress is expected. Rail is a cheap and safe mode of transport. The increase in the number of municipalities introducing the BRT system is a positive sign of improving efficient public road transport. People need to feel safe when using public transport. Improving safety for passengers is critical; it encourages greater usage thus increasing the economies of scale,” said Mr Mabebo.
Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Mr Igor Scheurkogel argued that for too long South Africans have suffered frustration, inconvenience and financial strain due to the outdated and broken transport system. “This is not just a frustration, but it is a barrier to opportunities, growth and dignity. We need a transport system that is safe, reliable and affordable for all. A system that truly serves and opens opportunities to society. Without mobility, society is cut out from opportunities and services,” he said.
He suggested the establishment of provincial transport authorities and the introduction of public-private partnerships to speed up the restoration of rail networks across the country.
The Economic Freedom Fighters’ Ms Mandisa Makesini said her party is deeply concerned by the department’s failure to address the many chronic problems facing the transport sector in our country. “Transport needs safety, shorter travel times, affordability, reducing walking distances and improved access to infrastructure remain a challenge. The railway system has collapsed, and this has led to increased heavy trucks on the roads resulting in many road accidents. It is unfair for our people to continue to be subjected to unsafe, unreliable and costly system and the public transport doesn’t cater for passengers using wheelchairs,” she said.
