By Phenyo Selinda
Cape Town, 16 July 2024 – Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has committed to collaborating with the taxi industry to enhance safety and sustainability within the sector. Addressing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport in Cape Town on Monday, Creecy emphasised the crucial role taxis play in South Africa’s transport ecosystem.
“Taxis are part of community life, and as per the National Household Travel Survey, now carry eighty-three percent of those who use public transport,” Creecy noted. “During this term, I pledge to work with the industry to ensure it takes its place in a safer, greener transport ecosystem. We will work together to decrease levels of conflict and violence, which pose a significant risk to the sector and to commuters.”
Supporting the Taxi Industry
Minister Creecy highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to assist the taxi industry in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic’s financial impact. “The Taxi Relief Fund, created by the department to mitigate the negative financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the taxi industry, has been extended in the past year to provide further support to the industry,” she said.
The Minister also outlined the Taxi Recapitalisation Strategy, which aims to scrap unroadworthy vehicles and professionalise the industry by improving safety and incorporating it into transport planning processes.
Building Climate Resilience
Creecy addressed the importance of building climate resilience within South Africa’s transport infrastructure. “Climate change, as we have seen over the last couple of years, poses a significant risk to our built infrastructure in general and our transport infrastructure in particular. Building the climate resilience of our ports, road and rail networks is both a necessity and a new opportunity for investment, growth, economic inclusion and job creation,” she stated.
She underscored the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, which accounts for approximately ten percent of the country’s CO2 emissions. “Contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all modes of transport will become a necessity once the new Climate Bill is signed into law. Our transport sector will have to do its bit to achieve the NDP target of net-zero by 2050,” Creecy said.
Implementing the Green Transport Strategy
The Minister highlighted the department’s Green Transport Strategy as a priority for this term. “In this next decade, transport will also be revolutionised by an acceleration of digital technology. New technologies and new global imperatives will fundamentally alter the skills requirements of those employed in the transport sector, as well as open up new value chains for new forms of economic access, ownership and employment,” Creecy explained.
Innovations such as operational automation, real-time shipment tracking, digital signalling for railways, artificial intelligence in traffic management, and the introduction of self-driven vehicles and drones for delivery are set to transform the sector.
“The department’s Green Transport Strategy includes investing in green energy infrastructure; promoting the uptake of alternative fuels such as biogas and green hydrogen; extending the rail network to provide alternative public transport, and developing ‘green procurement guidelines’, which will promote low-carbon technologies,” Creecy added.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate