Transport and Public Works
With respect to the proposition of a single transport authority in the province, as stated in the Premier’s most recent State of the Province Address:
(1) Whether preliminary discussions have begun with respect to its establishment; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) (a) when does his Department envisage the authority coming into effect, (b) what would be the preferred objectives of such an authority and (c) what is the time frame for the development of this authority?
(1) My Department is working actively toward the establishment of the Western Cape Transport Authority. Internal discussions are underway, based upon a business case that has been drafted. Once all necessary discussions have been concluded, a submission will be presented to the Provincial Cabinet for consideration.
(2) (a) My Department is doing everything that it can to ensure that the Authority is established as soon as possible. Once the business case has been approved by Cabinet, we will submit the business case together with the enabling legislation to National Government for their consideration and approval. Once this approval is secured, we will proceed to promulgate the legislation through the provincial legislature and then establish the Authority.
(b) The Authority will work to significantly improve public transport by developing a safe, reliable, dignified, and affordable system for the citizens of the Province. It will drive integration between rail, bus, minibus taxi and other modes of public transport, working with local authorities and public transport operators to achieve results. The Authority will also help to boost inclusive economic development, investment, and job creation by strengthening the Western Cape’s competitiveness and attractiveness to investors and tourists through the development of a higher standard of public transport.
(c) As per the above, the timing for the establishment of the authority is dependent on securing National Government approval. My Department is aiming to submit the business case and enabling legislation to National Government for consideration in the first half of this financial year and, if National Government approval is forthcoming, we may be able to move forward with promulgation of the enabling legislation toward the end of the financial year.
