Our transport MEC misses the bus

I read with humour the doublespeak of the Gauteng roads and transport MEC, Ismail Vadi, on tuk tuks (Business Day, Letters, January 2013).

It is so easy to continue to make comments on transport. But like most transport issues in South Africa, there are many grandiose plans, yet the execution has either failed, continues to be promised, or is not executed because of all the vested interests in certain sectors, like busses.

In my opinion, the most basic maxim of transport is to move any commodity, including people, at the cheapest, fastest, safest way, and now in a crowded world, in the smallest space possible.

The introduction of tuk tuks, credit to the entrepreneurs involved, is purely a reaction to the continued mess of transport management in areas like Johannesburg. Furthermore, it is a specific reaction to inadequate resources, to create a way to get people moving short distances at the cheapest cost.

I request the authorities start incrementally doing the following. This list is not exhaustive:

• Adopt a zero tolerance mind-set on all traffic violations, similar to what is happening with speeding offences. Fine them all you like, as this will eventually have a collective social attitude change. I can only highlight the substantive evidence of journalists that are better qualified than me, who continue to report on the endless road carnage in South Africa due to negligent driving influenced by social attitude.
• I remind the transport department that tuk tuks, busses and taxis are like any other public transport modes, complementary. They cannot be compared, so why are the vested interests in these sectors threatened by a new transport sector? After all, a tuk tuk can hardly drive to Polokwane as a bus or taxi can, so Mr. MEC, please stop obfuscating as there is no need to compare them.
• Tell the public what your plans are, or open up the bus rapid transport routes to regulated taxis— with safety compliance of course.
• Embrace the best practices of the private sector to do roadworthiness compliance, licensing (drivers and vehicles) and delegate all these similar responsibilities. The system of roadworthiness has failed so there is nothing to lose.
• We know rates collections are a money spinner but what about rebates for the private sector if public-private initiatives can be introduced on road maintenance for example?

In summary, Mr. MEC, please refrain from comments designed to cloud the reality. The Gauteng transport management is close to collapse. Is it going to? Or are you going to stop talking and do something about it?