The Department of Transport (DoT) will set up a transport command and call centre for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, "to ensure efficient and effective transport".

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele says the centre is expected to be operational by the end of March.

The World Cup kicks off in June.

Ndebele said that the command and call centre will serve as a central hub of coordination for transport operations, information management and risk assessment during the global sports event.

"The centre will enable the DoT to maintain overall command, control and co-ordination of transport operations across the country - including host cities and provinces," explains Ndebele.

The centre will provide live, real-time traffic and transport 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.

DoT says one of the aims of the centre is to ensure that visitors to the country have a centralised point of call where they can be provided with travelling information and assistance to plan their trips.

The department adds that it will liaise with the various provinces and host cities to finalise the appointment of their transport coordinators.

These coordinators must have sufficient authority to make decisions regarding any transport matter pertaining to their relevant jurisdiction areas.

"South Africa has never had so many visitors and public transport users as we will experience during the 2010 FIFA World Cup," says Ndebele.

"As the Department of Transport, our obligation is to ensure that we provide safe, efficient, reliable and affordable public transport."