Creecy vows to stabilise transport sector as first order of
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said on Monday that her first order of business will be stabilising the sector.
She tabled her department’s budget in Parliament on Monday.
It comes amid a prolonged crisis in the country’s freight logistics system, including the ports and rail sectors.
"The National Logistics Crisis Committee (has been set up) to improve operational performance, to implement reforms to modernise the freight transport system and to make necessary regulatory changes and exemptions to ensure efficient procurement on maintenance of the network,” the minister told MPs.
She said the Passenger Rail Agency will continue to work to reopen more passenger lines affected by cable theft.
Currently, 28 of 40 priority lines, including the Germiston to Johannesburg line, are fully operational.
Creecy said more work is being done to rehabilitate and open more corridors.
"As of March this year, 256 stations are fully functional in cities across the country. This will ensure that the public can rely on safe, punctual and affordable public rail service that will not hinder their participation in the economy.”
Creecy also pledged to work with the taxi industry to prioritise road safety.
"We will work together to decrease levels of conflict and violence, which pose a significant risk to the sector and to commuters. The taxi relief fund created by the department to navigate the negative financial effects of the Covid pandemic has been extended in the past year to provide further support to the industry.”
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