R20m to address Gauteng's transport challenges

©Felix Lipov via 123RF

The projects, which are expected to be completed in 10 months, will be done by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

CSIR manager for Transport System and Operations, Mathetha Mokonyama, said the projects include the accurate mapping of minibus taxi routes in Gauteng.

“The lack of accurate taxi route networks has been the source of serious and violent conflicts in the minibus taxi industry. The minibus taxi network also represents a very large asset base that has not been quantified, which this process will help address,” Mokonyama said.

He said the information about minibus taxi routes will be disseminated to the current users and to prospective users, including tourists.

The second project will develop a master plan for the improved roll-out of a new-look integrated transport services centres that will house public services. These services include driver licensing and training centres, vehicle testing centres and transport operating license administrative bodies.

The master plan will provide improved processes in these facilities that could see the maximum adoption of online transactions.

The final project will develop the transport “norms and standards book” for the province based on scientific research. This will help communities in the province to hold government accountable for transport service delivery.