Pretoria celebrates transport month

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:
The City of Pretoria is this month co-hosting the October Transport Month campaign with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and aims to encourage commuters to use public transport and more sustainable ways of travelling. Megan van Wyngaardt tells us more.

Megan van Wyngaardt:
Gauteng roads and transport MEC Ismail Vadi noted that a number of initiatives would be carried out during the month, including initiating an electronic ticket for the taxi industry, organising the Gauteng Cycling Indaba, launching three road construction projects and encouraging citizens to use public transport every Friday throughout the month.

MEC Ismail Vadi:

Megan van Wyngaardt:
One of the biggest headaches for Gauteng commuters is the Gillooly’s interchange in Bedfordview. The Department is now busy with the initial planning to build a 35 km long PWV15 to support the development of an Aerotropolis at the OR Tambo International Airport and the Tambo-Springs Freight and Logistics Hub to ease congestion in the area.

MEC Ismail Vadi:

Megan van Wyngaardt:
Vadi also suggested that the roll-out of the bus rapid transit systems was taking too long. Meanwhile, Pretoria mayor Solly Msimanga said the city was happy to co-host Transport Month.

Pretoria Mayor Solly Msimanga:

Megan van Wyngaardt:

He also called for affordable transport, as it was disheartening that many people were spending 60% to 70% of their salaries to move between their homes and their place of employment.

Msimanga further added that the local government was in talks with businesses who are looking to donate 1000 bicycles to increase the metro police’s presence in the streets, particularly in problematic areas such as Sunnyside and Marabastad.

Sashnee Moodley:

Other news making headlines this week:

Mashaba eyes Joburg Inner City revival as small business Launchpad

Newly elected Johannesburg executive mayor Herman Mashaba vowed to breathe life back into Johannesburg’s Inner City and create a platform of opportunities for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.
Johannesburg executive mayor Herman Mashaba
 

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.