The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron, has announced the City’s programme for October Transport Month.
“Our exciting programme recognises the pioneering role that Cape Town is playing in developing a more efficient, affordable and cleaner transport path for South Africa. The only way to achieve this is through the transformation of the current, fragmented public transport system into an integrated and intermodal system and the increased use of non-motorised transport,” said Councillor Herron.
The highlight of the month is the launch of the Transport Authority on 18 October 2012, which will eventually control and set the standards for all train, bus and taxi operators – in effect shifting the focus of transport governance from the operator to the commuter.
“This will improve the service experience of the hundreds of thousands of Capetonians who use public transport daily to connect with opportunities, families and communities”.
“Drastically improved public transport has the potential to lead to increased economic growth and job creation, and will contribute towards the City’s achievement of each of its five strategic pillars: to build an Opportunity City, an Inclusive City, a Safe City, a Caring City and a Well-Run City,” said Councillor Herron.
October Transport Month will kick off with a panel discussion on Cape Town’s Integrated Transport Network at the City Hall, on 2 October 2012.
Members of the public and all interested parties are invited to attend to give their input on crucial topics such as ‘fares and ticketing’, ‘availability and quality of service’ and ‘information and communication’.
The programme for the rest of the month includes the closure of various roads around the city to motorised traffic as part of the ‘Open Streets’ campaign; the launches of Main Road Bus and Minibus-Taxi (BMT) Enforcement; the public transport interchange upgrade on the station deck; and the Dial-a-Ride Users Forum; as well as the completion of the process of fitting low energy devices to all city traffic signals.
Please note that further details for each event will be released closer to the time.
Programme
Theme: Cape Town’s Integrated Transport Network
2/10/2012 – Integrated Transport Plan: Panel discussion with break-away focused discussions on:
- Fares and ticketing
- Availability and quality of service
- Information and communication
Aim: To provide a platform for discussion and to obtain input into the development of the Cape Town’s Integrated Transport Network and Integrated Transport Plan pertaining to passenger transport. Members of the public and all interested and affected parties are welcome to attend.
9/10/2012 – City’s traffic signals go green
Aim: Celebrating that the City’s traffic signals will have been fitted with low energy devices.
18/10/2012 – Launch of the Transport Authority
21/10/2012 – Launch Event: Open Streets
Closure of certain roads to motorised traffic for exclusive use of those engaging in active mobility.
Aim: integrating communities.
23/10/2012 – Integrated Transport Plan: Panel discussion with break-away focused discussions on:
- Development, Transport Impact Assessment, Parking and Public Transport Zoning
- Freight (logistics, hazardous, abnormal)
- Multi-modal system, Integrated Public Transport Network and Corridors
Aim: To provide a platform for discussion and to obtain input into the development of the Cape Town’s Integrated Transport Network and Integrated Transport Plan pertaining to passenger transport. Members of the public and all interested and affected parties are welcome to attend.
24/10/2012 – Launch of Main Road BMT Lane Enforcement
Aim: Signals the start of the enforcement of the Main Road Bus and Minibus-Taxi lane during peak hour traffic.
26/10/2012 – Launch the Public Transport Interchange Upgrade at Station Deck
Aim: To assist with cleaning the facility, painting new demarcations, beautifying by planting trees and unveiling the Transport Authority signage.
28/10/2012 – Launch of the Dial-a-Ride Users Forum
Aim: The purpose of the forum is to discuss and advise on the effective provision of Dial-a-Ride services in Cape Town.
