This last week of October 2011 marks the end of the City’s celebration of Transport Month. Over the last three weeks, public feedback on public transport issues was invited via the media, communication partners and via this website.
The City would like to extend a special thank you to the more than 500 people who completed our surveys and shared their experiences and opinions. Although there is seldom a ‘quick fix’ solution to complex issues, these comments and opinions will be taken into consideration when the new Five-year Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) for 2012-2017 is developed.
The identification of current and future transport needs of people, places, goods and services results in the creation of the ITP. This plan informs decision makers on ways to manage the transport system and land use to best address these needs. This is to find a sustainable balance between the social, environmental and economic needs of the community.
Improvements to the entire transport system are implemented through a phased approach, but understanding the extent of the local need enables us to prioritise the implementation of these improvements. The City collects travel data by conducting periodic counts but these counts cannot quantify personal experiences and the different perceptions. These can only be recorded through submissions and engagement between the City and all its stakeholders.
Our environment is changing and therefore, as a City, we need to highlight practical ways to minimise the impact we have on our environment. One of the initiatives is a pilot project that started in July 2011 where we partnered with large employers in the Central Business District, looking at ways in which we can reduce our overall carbon footprint. We are actively promoting public transport, providing practical tips to change driver behaviour and considering ways in which to cut down on the number of single occupancy vehicles on our roads.
The City wants to encourage all the people of Cape Town to help with the development of an Integrated Transport Plan. Tell us what problems you experience in your community, faults and maintenance issues, but also tell us of the things that work well and your vision for our city. Talk to us at the various public hearings that will be held early next year and also at the electronic contact points we will make available. You can make a difference in the way transport is provided for you and your community. We want to encourage all residents to become involved.
Contact the Transport Information Centre, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day on 0800 65 64 63.
