As part of government’s plans to build a new economy, attention is being given to the transport industry, with a national taxi lekgotla being convened this week to chart the course towards a more efficient sector.

In his weekly address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the lekgotla would bring together government, civil society and industry stakeholders and followed provincial makgotla in some provinces.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that many South Africans reliant on public transport did not always have safe and positive experiences.

“The lekgotla will seek common ground on existing business models, safety and compliance, broader economic empowerment of operators and the issue of subsidies for taxis. It will also look at how to end the conflict and violence that continues to plague the industry because of competition on routes. Most importantly, it must emerge with a blueprint for a formalised industry that plays a meaningful role in the mainstream economy and is effectively regulated,” Ramaphosa said.

He touted integrated rapid transport service networks to improve commuters’ experiences with public transport and said unsafe, unreliable and costly transport had a knock on effect on the economy.

Economic growth cannot be achieved if South Africans cannot get to work safely and on time, he said. 

Statistics South Africa reveals that more than two-thirds of households with the lowest income spend more than 20% of their monthly household income on public transport.

Taxis are the most expensive mode of public transport, followed by trains and buses.

Ramaphosa said as taxis are the main choice of transport urgent attention would be given to the problems in the industry.

“A formalised, well-managed, better regulated minibus taxi system is in the best interests of not just those who use taxis daily. It is also in the interest of the development and progress of the entire society,” he stated.

Government will be investing in transport infrastructure systems to boost economic growth and projects are already underway to modernise and refurbish commuter rail networks alongside the expansion of road rehabilitation and maintenance programmes.

The improved state of public transport would, in turn, stimulate manufacturing, local production, small business activity and job opportunities, Ramaphosa explained.

“Upgraded transportation infrastructure coupled with improved public transport is a key driver of economic activity. Similarly, resolving the challenges facing a sector as important as the taxi industry is an important step towards transforming the public transport landscape,” he added.