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JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa says improving public transportation is a priority for the government.
Ramaphosa says that when public transportation is unsafe, unreliable and expensive, it also affects economic activity.
READ: Ramaphosa: Senekal opened old wounds
The president says this week’s National Taxi Lekgotla will look at how the industry can be formalized and made safer.
“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,” Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.
“It will also look at how to end the conflict and violence that continues to plague the industry due to road competition.
“Most importantly, it must come up with a plan for a formalized industry that plays a significant role in the mainstream economy and is effectively regulated.
“The taxi industry can and should play an important role in the government’s ultimate goal of improving commuters’ everyday experiences by establishing integrated networks of rapid transit services in subways, cities, towns and rural districts.”
The government also plans to modernize and renovate the railways. and expand the highway rehabilitation program.
