28 Jun 2015

The study for implementation of transport modernisation system in greater Gaborone, which commenced last year September is expected to end in August.

This is a project by the Ministry of Transport and Communications which seeks to modernise public transport system by creating a bus based rapid transit system. A consultancy company from Canada, CPCS has been engaged to help the MTC with ideas on how to go about the project.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative workshop, CPCS vice president, Mr Glory Jonga said they had so far conducted the literature review and had also went on benchmarking trips in countries such as South Africa and Brazil, where the system had proved to be efficient.

Mr Jonga said with the new system, they intended to improve and promote public transport services, at the same time reducing congestion in roads. He explained that they wanted taxi operators to be custodians of the enhanced transport system.

“We want to find ways to integrate small and medium operators into the proposed improved system,” he said. Meanwhile, Mr Jonga said findings had revealed that with the existing system, there was no integration between urban, transport and land use planning.

He also cited an oversupply of taxi operating permits as another challenge in the existing system. The project was designed to provide the transport ministry with options to implement a Mass Rapid Transit system and improve public transport services.

It seeks, among others, to improve average commute times, reduce travel costs for the commuting public, reduce travel times and create mobility opportunities for all, including people with disabilities.

On the other hand, Transport Hub coordinator, Mr Neil Fitt said the proposed enhanced system did not intend to deprive citizens who made a living out of public transport because they would be the custodians of the system.

Mr Fitt noted that the amount of congestion in Gaborone was slightly disproportional, adding that Gaborone was a small city compared to others in some countries, hence the need for planning.

He said as a country, Botswana needed to move forward and bring the transport system into the 21st century. Ends