Midrand: The Gauteng Provincial Government has set the wheels in motion for a significant overhaul of its fragmented public transport system. Experienced Civil Engineering Technologist, Dorothy Mabuza, has been tasked with the effort of breathing life into the newly established Gauteng Transport Authority (TAG). Before assuming the role at the turn of the year, she already boasted a 27-year career at the City of Johannesburg and City of Ekurhuleni, where she led the Rea Vaya and Harambe Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, respectively.
According to South African Government News Agency, TAG is an entity of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, responsible for overseeing integrated transport planning across the country's economic hub. It is expected to drive the development of a cohesive, accessible, and efficient public transport network in the province. Mabuza, who is still settling into her role, is actively addressing challenges like road congestion, aiming to integrate transport facilities across the province.
The TAG has adopted initiatives and programs to achieve its vision, such as implementing a single ticketing concept to enable seamless mobility across all modes of transport. Mabuza highlights that the transport system in Gauteng is currently fragmented, with freight logistics being a significant issue. The TAG is considering strategies like migrating freight to rail to mitigate its impact on road infrastructure.
The entity is focusing on building strong foundations by finalizing its organizational structure, including outlining C-suite positions. TAG aims to become a high-end entity that shares insights within the transport sector both nationally and continentally. It is working on its ICT architecture and governance framework, leveraging the Gautrain Management Agency platform in the interim.
TAG is governed by the Transport Authority for Gauteng Act, 2019, and aligns with the National Land Transport Act, 2009, to define roles between government spheres. It adopts a collaborative approach, ensuring effective plan consolidation and coordination. Plans are underway to approve an overarching strategy by March 2026, providing a framework for municipalities to align their plans.
Financial sustainability is a focus, with TAG identifying multimodal facilities integration as a key program. It is developing a financial strategy to outline potential revenue streams, including advertising and ranking facilities. High-level discussions with potential funders are ongoing, with a focus on enhancing bankability through environmental, social, and governance frameworks.
Mabuza emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, with plans for roadshows and roundtable discussions to build relationships. The entity is structuring projects with a commercialized perspective, aiming to derive value through possible revenue generation within transport facilities.
This article first appeared in Public Sector Magazine
