Mbalula Announces the Six-Member PTT After Meeting the Outgoing PTT in Durban
The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, has taken a major step towards improving South Africa’s public transport system by announcing the formation of a new six-member Public Transport Team (PTT). The announcement was made after a successful meeting with the outgoing PTT in Durban on Tuesday.
The PTT, which is an integral part of the Department of Transport, is responsible for implementing and monitoring the government’s public transport strategy. This includes planning, developing and implementing policies and programmes to improve the country’s public transport system.
During the meeting, Mbalula expressed his gratitude towards the outgoing PTT for their hard work and dedication in improving the country’s public transport system. He also commended them for their achievements, which include the successful launch of the new train fleet and the implementation of the integrated ticketing system.
Mbalula emphasized the importance of continuity and building upon the successes of the outgoing PTT. He stated, “As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to build on the solid foundation that has been laid by the outgoing PTT. We cannot afford to lose momentum in our efforts to improve public transport in our country.”
The new six-member PTT is expected to bring fresh ideas and perspectives in tackling the challenges faced by the public transport system. Mbalula has appointed experienced individuals from various sectors such as transport, finance and infrastructure to ensure a well-rounded and effective team.
One of the main tasks for the new PTT will be to oversee the implementation of the revised National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP). This plan aims to improve access to public transport, reduce travel time and costs, and promote the use of sustainable transport modes.
The establishment of the new PTT comes at a critical time as the country prepares to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2021 BRICS summit. Mbalula stressed the importance of an efficient public transport system in ensuring the success of these major events.
He said, “As we gear up to host these major events, it is crucial that our public transport system is able to cater to the increased demand. The new PTT will play a vital role in ensuring that we have a world-class transport system in place.”
The announcement of the new PTT has been welcomed by various stakeholders in the transport industry. The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU) applauded the move, stating that the appointment of a new PTT shows the government’s commitment to improving public transport in the country.
In addition, taxi associations have also expressed their support for the new PTT. They believe that the team’s diverse backgrounds and expertise will help address the challenges faced by the taxi industry.
With the new PTT in place, South Africans can look forward to a more efficient and reliable public transport system. Mbalula’s bold move to appoint a new team shows his determination to deliver on the government’s promise to improve public transport and make it more accessible for all.
As the country continues to grow and develop, a well-functioning public transport system is crucial. Mbalula’s announcement of the six-member PTT gives us hope and confidence that the future of our public transport is in good hands. Together, we can work towards a better and more sustainable transport system for all South Africans.
