18 Feb 2021

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has undertaken a study on modernisation of intra-city public transport system for Greater Gaborone and is in the process of submitting a Cabinet Memorandum for the planned new public transport system. 

This was said by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo when answering a question in Parliament on Tuesday. 

He said it would take an estimated initial amount of about P2.5 billion over a three-year period to set up such a bus-based public transport system for Greater Gaborone, based on a feasibility study carried out by his ministry in 2016. 

“This amount includes the vehicle fleet, bus depots, Park and Ride centres, dedicated bus lanes, bus terminals and stops as well as other required amenities,” he said. 

Again, he said, it would take a complete overhaul of the current system and a gradual transition to the new system, in collaboration with current public transport operators, as some of the current routes would be feeder routes to the main corridors. 

The study, he explained had given recommendations, with benchmarks; to achieve efficient, effective and reliable services to the commuters. 

Regarding Francistown, Mr Segokgo said, his ministry would like to benchmark with Gaborone first before implementing the same intra-city public transport system. 

He explained that the Greater Gaborone modernised public transport system was expected to realise among others, the following benefits for residents, tourists and visitors: an improved accessibility and mobility for all commuters, including public transport users with locomotion and visual challenges, introduction of a new bus network and a new vehicle fleet incorporating universally accessible buses. 

Other benefits include the provision of park n’ ride parking facilities on the periphery of Gaborone along the identified corridors to enhance the efficiency of the new public transport system. 

These facilities, he added, would be provided by private sector/investors, a step anticipated to reduce road traffic congestion by curbing the number of vehicles entering the city centre’s road network. 

The new transport system is also expected to introduce a new ticketing system and ticketing technology that enables integrated fare payment, which would allow passengers to pay once even in instances where their trips involve more than one route or vehicle. 

It will also introduce a new time-tabling system aimed at enabling buses to operate on a ‘clock-face’ time-table, in order to guarantee reliability of services and also introduce quality standards for user comfort and safety to incentivise patronage. 

Minister Segokgo told the House that a modernised public transport system, would in general facelift the city through improved mobility, especially when coupled with linkages to areas of interest for visitors and tourists. 

He however pointed out that the benefits of the system would also include the impact of the system, which would boost the city’s chances of hosting international events. 

It would also contribute to improvements in productivity through reduction of delays for commuters. 

Furthermore, he said, the system would elevate property value and boost development along public transport corridors, as well as present new opportunities for transit oriented development (TOD), adding that it would contribute to clean air in the city by reducing greenhouse gas. 

In addition, Minister Segokgo stated that other business opportunities in the running of the system comprised the construction facilities (bus layovers, bus stops, terminals, depots, NMT), transport operators, ticketing (including electronic), operation of park ‘n’ ride, fleet maintenance and management. 

Kanye North MP, Mr Thapelo Letsholo had asked the minister to explain when the Cities of Gaborone and Francistown would have efficient, effective, reliable intra-city public transport systems and also introduce timed and scheduled transportation within them. 

MP Letsholo also wanted to know what benefits would accrue to residents, tourists and visitors as a result of the above. 

He further asked the minister to expound on potential benefits for investment and city branding and also explain what it would take to facilitate and implement such an initiative. Ends