Address at the launch of the Durban People Mover by Mr Jeff Radebe, MP, Minister of Transport, Durban

Programme Director, Dr Michael Sutcliffe
Executive Mayor, Obed Mlaba
MEC Bheki Cele
Executive councillors
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

The African National Congress (ANC) government has shown considerable foresight in delivering a transport system capable of supporting a continued success of our economic and social development. History provides many compelling examples of the transport role in economic transformation. For instance, the transport revolution drove industrialisation. It also created our great cities and gave birth to international trade and globalisation. Even today transport corridors are the major arteries of domestic and international trade.

But how do we then ensure that the public transport system continues to support sustainable cities and reduce private car dependency? I suppose being smart with our policy and strategic options we are most likely to deliver an appropriate answer to this question. Key to this challenge will be to fast track the implementation of our Public Transport Strategy and plan with strong emphasis on an accelerated Modal Upgrade Programme and integrated rapid public transport networks characterised by modal fleet and facilities upgrade, extended hours of operation, peak frequencies of five to 10 minutes, integrated feeder services including walking, cycling and taxi networks and single ticketing system.

The main focus of our strategy is a mode based vehicle recapitalisation into Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTNs) comprising of a package of Rapid Rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) priority corridors, especially in major cities with feeder systems of smaller buses, taxis, pedestrian access as well as metered taxis.

Linked to the strategy is our National Passenger Road Plan, which is the framework for the integration of road based public transport systems across the country. Key to this plan is the objective to improve accessibility, mobility and limited walking distances. I'm in no doubt that the key challenge is to ensure transport networks that support the success of growing urban catchments and key inter urban corridors.

There is also a pressing need to link the public transport networks to major long distance stations and terminals but also to upgrade and expand long distance rail services as part of integrated rapid public transport networks. I'm glad to announce that the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC)/Metrorail have already begun with the implementation of the National Rail Passenger Plan. This plan serves as our map for the future passenger rail service with stronger emphasis on the restoration of the rail network, efficient routes and priority corridors as a vital part of our integrated network. The completion of the consolidation of Metrorail and Shosholoza Meyl into SARCC will also ensure a great improvement of both short and long distance services leading up to 2010 FIFA World Cup.

It is vividly clear that by 2020, passenger movements in the cities will more than double and traffic will grow tremendously. We therefore need to rise to the occasion by ensuring increased investment to maintain and improve our public transport system. South Africa cannot build itself out of the current road congestion and where road space is limited this needs to be utilised efficiently. This is where the demand for investment on infrastructure and public transport services is already strong and further growth is projected. This year, our investment on public transport ranging from roads to public transport including rail, buses and transport infrastructure is more than R70 billion equivalent to a sizeable percentage of our gross domestic product (GDP).

This requires of us to do things differently through rigorous prioritisation. We have also taken a hard look at the evolving patterns of local and regional public transport journeys, in order to ensure public transport solutions that are targeted and visible on the ground. Our strategy is to reduce congestion and private car dependency by offering attractive, efficient and reliable public transport system. Yesterday, I attended a ground breaking launch of the luxurious Soweto Business Express which is one good example that will assist passenger rail to claim its rightful place as a mass mover of our people. The delivery of bus services in the cities is another important area for proper investment.

Some municipalities and cities including eThekwini have already formulated clear strategies in their Integrated Transport Plans by ensuring that public transport is given higher priority in the provision of transport infrastructure and facilities.

This will include the development of proper infrastructure such as bus stations, ranks and interchanges. Our objective is to provide a modern and attractive public transport system offering seamless travel with integrated network, high frequency and reduced travel time.

I'm glad to say that the launch of the Durban People Mover is the step in the right direction in the attainment of this objective. The People Mover will deliver a world class public transport system that is safe, comfortable and reliable. And it is intended to ultimately reduce traffic congestion within the inner city of eThekwini.

With its exceptional features such as high security, entertainment, disability access, the People Mover will assist us in achieving a public transport system that places over 85 percent of metropolitan city population within 1 kilometre of an Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network. We also want to achieve a mode shift of 20% of private car usage to public transport networks in order to cut down on traffic congestion on our roads.

I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate eThekwini Metro for the sterling work. But also to take this opportunity and encourage the residents of eThekwini to save their hard earned money by using the affordable, safe and reliable Durban People Mover.

I thank you!

Issued by: Department of Transport
4 July 2007