On 24 October the Transport Department published its draft Economic Regulation of Transport Bill, 2018, which was subsequently revised pursuant to the public comments on which comment is due by 24 November.
The Bill serves to consolidate the economic regulation of transport within a single framework and policy, to establish the Transport Economic Regulator, to establish the Transport Economic Council, to make consequential amendments to various other Acts, and to provide for related incidental matters.
The purposes of the Act are to:
(a) promote the development of a competitive, efficient and viable South African transport industry contributing to economic growth and development;
(b) promote the development of an integrated system of economic regulation of transport of passengers and goods, through airports or ports, and by road or rail;
(c) promote efficiency, reliability, safety and performance in the management and operation of transport facilities and services, in accordance with recognised international standards and local requirements;
(d) establish appropriate institutional arrangements and procedures to support the consistent economic regulation of transport facilities and services;
(e) enhance transparency in the management of transport facilities and services; and
(f) promote appropriate investment in transport facilities and services.
