---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Eric Britton <fekbritton@...>
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 12:46:45 +0100
Subject: Transport Department plans to initiate an annual car-free day
in South African city
To: 'WorldCarfreeDays@yahoogroups.com'


Source: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=129&fArticleId=2425263

Computer will be king in new taxi system

Revamped industry will include controls, safe roads and job creation,
says MEC February 25, 2005

A quality public commuting system for Gauteng is within sight,
Transport MEC Ignatius Jacobs has said.

Addressing reporters in Johannesburg yesterday, he said the more than
60% of Gautengers who travelled by taxi daily as well as other
commuters who used other modes of public transport, such as buses,
would all fall into the new transport strategy.

"We believe that this taxi industry is an anchor to us achieving an
accessible, safe and affordable public transport system," said Jacobs.

He also said the Transport Department planned to initiate an annual
car-free day, on which all its staff would leave their cars at home
and make use of public transport "to show confidence in the system and
address weaknesses".

By November 2005 the province would have a new transport and road
network policy, he stated.

Jacobs said the Gauteng Transport Department had additionally
committed itself to creating 120 000 jobs annually, mainly through the
Expanded Public Works Programme.

"The construction and maintenance of roads has the greatest potential
for ensuring the target of job creation is met," he added.

Some major projects involved the upgrading of several roads and
highways such as the K60 in the Sandton area, the K29 intersection and
dual carriageway for the Cosmo City project.

Jacobs said the department was tired of plans and that everything was
now about "work, work, work and jobs, jobs, jobs".

The department had established a project management "war room" to
serve as an information centre and to track and evaluate the impact of
all projects.

This nerve centre would co-ordinate the integration of all
community-based public works programmes into one new and revised
Gauteng public works initiative.

A Gauteng taxi academy would be opened in the next few months to train
taxi drivers, owners and operators about business skills, customer
care and other aspects.

Jacobs said task teams would attempt to deal with issues that spur on
taxi violence. These included routes, registration, operating
licences, road safety, vehicle impoundment and self-regulation.

This would all contribute to "ensuring our readiness to meet the
infrastructure challenges posed by the hosting of the 2010 World Cup",
the enthusiastic MEC said. - Sapa.


--
With all good wishes,

Eric Britton

The Commons: Open Society Sustainability Initiative at www.ecoplan.org
Le Frene, 8/10 rue Joseph Bara 75006 Paris, France, Europe

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