Gauteng launches Public Transport Month
03 October 2008
MEC for the Gauteng Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works, Ignatius Jaco bs, launched the provincial leg of the Public Transport Month (PTM) campaign on the 02 nd October 2008 at the Marlboro Testing Station. MEC was accompanied by dignitaries from the public transport industry and some members of the Public Transport, Roads and Works portfolio committee from the Gauteng Legislature.
MEC expressed appreciation to the National Minister of Transport, Jeff Radebe, for all the support he has given the province. Minister Radebe launched the national public transport month at the OR Tambo international airport on 30 September 2008.
“Over the last four years, our government has worked with commuters, transport operators and community based organisations in setting a new agenda for transport. In this regard, we have sought to use the robust debate, about the state of transport system in our province, to inform long lasting and people owned transport solutions for our communities and the economy of Gauteng ”, said MEC Jaco bs.
The Gauteng Commuter Organisation (GCO) and Indalo Yethu organisation supported the use of public transport modes in preventing environment pollution. Indalo Yethu is a legacy project, an independent trust of the South African Government's Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
The following are some of the public transport related projects highlighted as signals of success:
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The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme;
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Implementation of the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link;
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Roads construction and maintenance;
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The establishment of the Gauteng Provincial Metered Taxi Council; and
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The setting up of the Gauteng Commuter Organisation.
