Critical issues such as traffic congestion, passenger rail and the formalisation of the minibus-taxi industry will top the agenda at a transport summit hosted by the City of Cape Town in October.
Leaders in government, role players and industry experts will discuss the impact public transport challenges have on the local economy.
The Urban Mobility Summit, themed “Building resilience and driving transport reform”, will be hosted in Cape Town on 3 and 4 October.
“The topics for discussion are in the public interest, not only for those living and working in Cape Town, but for all South Africans,” says Mayco member for urban mobility in Cape Town,” Rob Quintas.
According to Quintas 22% of commuters in Cape Town use minibus-taxis. He says the industry can benefit tremendously from formalisation but the question remains: how, and who is going to fund the bill?
Feasibility study
In addition to this, the latest data from the City’s rail feasibility study initiated a few years ago will be presented.
“In Cape Town, passenger rail has imploded under Prasa’s watch, but how can we as local government turn this around when there is little, if any, commitment from national government to devolve rail to competent municipalities,” he asks.
Discussions around traffic congestion will focus on upredictability, dwindling funds and how to create a liveable city when development is dominated by private-car use.
“The panel discussions will give the public and attendees insight into the challenges, solutions, and way forward on matters that affect each and every person living and working in Cape Town, and in fact, across South Africa. Whether you are a commuter from Khayelitsha or Hammanskraal, Polokwane or Tshwane, Jo’burg, Mangaung or Gqeberha, we are all facing similar challenges that impede our mobility and productivity, with the cost of transport risind beyond affordability, and long travelling times ruining our quality of life.
“On these days, we will hear from independent experts, leaders in government and industry, and stakeholders on what we must do differently.”
The summit will be live-streamed for the public to follow online.
