Transport and Public Works

Improvements to transport in the Western Cape, and to public transport especially, have thus far been concentrated in Cape Town and George. Other regions, have not experienced similar support for public transport and this situation is exacerbated by the fact that local governments often suffer from low capacity and limited funding.

 Importantly, non-metropolitan areas are home to around a third of the Province’s population, while also having major potential for socio-economic development. As such, it is paramount that both the public transport and broader transport needs in these areas are addressed so that their populations and economies may thrive.

Since 2006 there has been national focus on transforming public transport and, consequently, there has been a strong drive toward the development of world-class IPTNs. More recently, there is recognition that these complex, infrastructure heavy, and financially costly systems are not always well suited to context, and where they are, they should work symbiotically with existing transport systems.

In response to this, the Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), was initiated by the Department to support the development and implementation of sustainable transport systems in the Western Cape. A sustainable transport system is one which facilitates equitable and safe access to opportunities; is affordable, supports a vibrant, inclusive economy; and limits impact on the environment.

A key element of the PSTP is focussed on how the Department can partner with local municipalities in the province (apart from the City of Cape Town), to improve public transport and non-motorised transport. This includes an Incremental Approach to improving public transport that results in rapid and demonstrable improvements to the user experience, but in a manner that reduces the capacity burden on government, lowers the immediate cost, and reduces the risk of transformation to the public transport industry. The approach was informed by the lessons learnt through the implementation of the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN), which was led by the Department.

Thus far, the Department has established partnerships with three municipalities, viz. Stellenbosch, Overstrand and Swartland. A pilot of an approach to incrementally and affordably improve the quality, efficiency and regulation of minibus taxi operations is being planned for the Overstrand Municipality. The approach includes technology-enabled transformation and new service opportunities, and revisions to the business model to incentivise operator compliance. It is envisaged that the lessons learnt will be used to inform minibus taxi service improvements throughout the Western Cape.

Drakenstein Municipality, and its importance as a high value agricultural region, as well as its central location as part of the Cape Metro Functional Region is recognised by the

PSTP. Over time, the Department will enter into new partnerships with more municipalities, to improve transport, build capacity, and expand the reach and impact of the PSTP.