Transport Minister Dipuo Peters
Photo by: Duane Daws
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters has called for public transport in South Africa to be integrated and accessible. She was delivering the keynote address at the International Conference on Transport Authorities in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
"A lot of improvements have been made in the public transport sector," she stated, noting, however, that more needed to be done. The country required a fully effective public transport infrastructure.
She reported that the National Transport Master Plan 2050 was being finalised. Its primary goal was to develop a dynamic, sustainable infrastructure for the country. It would have a transformative approach to "unlock" development and transformation.
She also noted that Gauteng had its own 25-year integrated provincial transport master plan and praised the concept of a Gauteng Public Transport Authority as a "forward looking idea". She added that "Gauteng province must be commended for not coasting on previous accomplishments, like the Gautrain."
Peters also pointed out that Gauteng's approach of coordinating the transport work of its municipalities was in line with national legislation. The National Land Transport Act was being amended to make it easier for provinces and municipalities to implement such joint public transport operations.
"The government has approved the National Transport Amendment Bill," she stated. "It will be debated in both houses of Parliament this year."
She also encouraged municipalities to invest in infrastructure for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians, as well as for cars and buses.