1. GUIDELINES FOR PASSENGER TRANSPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA A MULTI MODAL ANALYSIS CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND TO THIS STUDY GUIDE

2. 1.1 Introduction SA facing many urban transport problems – spending large percentage of its gross domestic product on transport – much of this spending is wasted As a result of inappropriate policies, not one of the major modes of transport – heavy rail, buses, minibus-taxis or private cars – is being operated optimally.

3. 1.1 Introduction cont’ ownership and use of motor cars has “exploded” resulting in considerable pressure on the road network. When seen against the background of a distorted economy and the need to stimulate growth, these problems present unique challenges to transport planners to adopt new and effective transport policies.

4. 1.3 Public Transport — some unresolved issues SA transport issues include: – the extent to which the poor co-ordination of public transport in South Africa is undermining the economy. – the “user-friendliness” of different modes of transport. – the true extent of subsidy paid to the different modes, and its affordability. – the role of private cars in the South African economy.

5. 1.3 Public Transport — some unresolved issues cont’ –the role of researchers and consultants in addressing transport problems. –the extent to which the claims for free markets, deregulation and privatisation in public transport have been realised. –the potential role of certain modes which have been overlooked by researchers, such as duo- buses and light rail. –the response of the community towards improved routes, schedules and operating practices.

6. 1.4 The National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) Natmap: – intended to guide government policy up to 2050 – Addressing issues including all modes of transport, as well as freight and passenger movement

7. 1.4 The National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) cont’ As far as public transport is concerned, some of the key issues and concerns that have already been identified, include the following (NATMAP 2007): – The lack of consensus on the appropriate dispensation is hampering progress towards addressing the provincial transport and public transport challenges. – The current public transport system lacks effective modal integration at all levels, from pedestrian linkages with bus to linkages between minibus taxis and rail services.

8. – Currently the legal dispensation in respect of public transport is characterised by fragmentation of authority, reflecting the lack of integration of the components comprising public transport. Within this context there is a lack of uniform standards in terms of safety or operational compliance. – Coordination of schedules and timetables for services in strategic priority corridors as well as between feeder and corridor services. 1.4 The National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) cont’

9. – Integration of some of the minibus taxi services with scheduled services. – Development of suitable facilities and infrastructure to facilitate transfers (is required). – Establishment of a common fare structure or negotiating transfer agreements and protocols between the different modes and operators, and setting up an integrated ticketing system. 1.4 The National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) cont’

10. – Upgrading of services offered by the different modes, starting with services in the priority corridors. – Linkages for safe pedestrian walkways to, from and interconnecting minibus, bus and rail services. – Establishment of a common livery and signage for public transport in the Province to facilitate efficient inter-modal changes. 1.4 The National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) cont’

11. 1.5 Scope of the Study Guide Important concepts: “good” planning and operations; – ‘Good’ planning and operations relate to the provision of the best possible service in terms of adequate route coverage, rights-of-way, frequencies, ticketing systems, subsidy levels, information and image.

12. coordination of urban transport; – “Coordination refers to the financial and administrative arrangements which are required to integrate the different modes in order to achieve maximum efficiency. 1.5 Scope of the Study Guide cont’

13. a variety of modes. – For the purpose of this study, the term “variety of modes” includes all conventional modes, such as heavy and light rail, diesel buses, trolley buses, midibuses and minibuses. 1.5 Scope of the Study Guide cont’