At a meeting today of the Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works, it was revealed that the Go George Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) is the only one of its kind to achieve 99% participation from the taxi industry as well as the community. It is further the only IPTN that will achieve 100% network coverage once fully rolled out before the end of the municipal financial year.
MPP Mitchell says: “Go George is a model that demonstrates how cooperation between government, residents, and the taxi industry can lead to tremendous success in providing safe, reliable transport. With the rise of taxi violence in other parts of the country, the project in George shows that subsidisation and engagement with the industry stands to benefit all, including drivers, operators, and commuters.
All phases of Go George collectively transport approximately 13 000 passengers per day. With the resumption of economic activity under lockdown alert level 1, we have already seen a rise in capacity on buses to 75% on average.”
Currently, the IPTN boasts large-scale investment from national and provincial governments. A capacity building and transfer programme, as well as relevant work streams, have been implemented to ensure that the George Municipality will be able to solely manage the service after the 12 year contract.
MPP Mitchell added: “The Go George IPTN has achieved great success in all aspects from cohesion of governments, transport of passengers, and curbing of taxi violence and vandalism. Safety has seen a steady rise with the provision of bus stops and shelters, testing new materials for buses, and keeping the broader transport industry at the table by engaging in progress and providing transparency of operations.
The Go George IPTN has set a key example for provinces and cities in delivering inclusive, safe and reliable transport. As Chairperson of the provincial Standing Committee for Transport and Public Works, we will continue to provide rigorous oversight of the project and its deliverables.”
It remains the priority of the DA in the Western Cape that all forms of public transport remain safe, cost-effective, and efficient.
