A transport command and call centre will be in operation during the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup, to ensure efficient and effective transport. Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the centre is expected to be operational by the end of March 2010, during a meeting with the CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee, Dr Danny Jordaan. The meeting was held in Pretoria earlier today, 4 February 2010 to provide an update on transport plans for the World Cup.
Minister Ndebele said that the transport command and call centre will serve as a central hub of coordination for transport operations, information management and risk assessment during the World Cup. The centre will enable the Department of Transport to maintain overall command, control and co-ordination of transport operations across the country, including host cities and provinces. The centre will provide live, real-time information that will also facilitate quick decision-making and responses to incidents. Travellers will also be able to access relevant transport information through the call centre and a central website. One of the aims of the centre is to ensure that visitors to the country have a central point of call, where they can be provided with travelling information and assistance to adequately plan their trips.
Over the next few weeks, the Department of Transport will liaise with provinces and host cities to finalise their respective transport coordinators, who must have sufficient authority to make decisions regarding any transport matter pertaining to their relevant jurisdiction.
"South Africa has never had so many visitors and public transport users as we will experience during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The World Cup is not only about sport; it is more about tran-sport. As the Department of Transport, our obligation is to ensure that we provide safe, efficient, reliable and affordable public transport. We want to use the World Cup to build a lasting legacy for the world to return to South Africa, way beyond 2010," said the Minister.
Minister Ndebele will make further announcements regarding progress on transport plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup later this month.