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President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised a review of the public transportation system.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government will take steps to improve the country’s public transportation system.
- This includes having a lekgotla with the taxi industry, in particular.
- Ramaphosa says that improving transportation infrastructure is critical for economic growth and expansion of industrial activity.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday the government was calling for a Lekgotla National Taxi to chart the course for a more efficient sector.
This platform brings together government, civil society and industry stakeholders and is supported by the provincial makgotla in most provinces, Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.
The lekgotla will seek common ground on existing business models, safety and compliance, broader economic empowerment of operators, and the issue of taxi subsidies. It will also analyze how to end the conflict and violence that plagues the industry due to competition on the roads.
Ramaphosa said:
As part of the program to build a new economy, we are working with all stakeholders to improve the state of public transportation. This is necessary if we want to expand manufacturing, increase local production, stimulate small business activity and create more job opportunities.
Improving transportation infrastructure is essential
“A well-functioning transportation system has the added benefit of relieving road congestion and reducing travel times, energy consumption, and air pollution. That is why we are going to invest in transportation infrastructure systems that transport people safely and in a way that contributes to economic growth.
“The Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan that I announced earlier this month recognizes that improving transportation infrastructure is critical to economic growth and the expansion of industrial activity. As part of our plan, we have embarked on projects to modernize and renovating the commuter train networks along with the expansion of roads, rehabilitation and maintenance programs.
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“Improved transportation infrastructure alongside improved public transportation is a key driver of economic activity. Similarly, solving the challenges faced by such an important sector as the taxi industry is an important step toward transforming the transportation landscape. public, “he added.
Ramaphosa noted that about two-thirds of households use minibus taxis. A quarter travel by bus and 10% by train.
But, he said, public transportation remains fraught with challenges; some are the legacy of apartheid development, but many are contemporary and persistent.
Many people’s experiences are negative
“Many of our people’s experiences with public transportation are not positive. Those who depend on trains have to deal with daily delays, interruptions and lengthy closures of essential lines.
“Also, the railway infrastructure in most cities only covers the older parts of the cities and has not kept up with the development of the new city. Vehicles that are not roadworthy, unsafe driving, Speeding, overloading and other practices are persistent problems in the taxi industry. Many people are victims of crime on trains, taxis and buses. “
Ramaphosa said that public transportation was expensive. More than two-thirds of the lowest-income households spend more than 20% of their monthly household income on public transportation.
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“Since taxis are the main means of public transportation for people in all provinces, we are paying urgent attention to the problems of the industry.
“A formalized, well-managed and better regulated minibus taxi system is in the best interest not only of those who use taxis on a daily basis. It is also in the interest of the development and progress of the whole of society,” Ramaphosa said.
Read the full Ramaphosa newsletter here.
