'Transport for CT programme will ultimately benefit freight'

The launch of Cape Town’s Integrated Public Transport Authority last week was heralded as the first step towards a nationwide strategy that will address transport inadequacies. Called Transport for Cape Town (TCT), the programme – aimed at integrating public transport – will ultimately benefit the movement of cargo and freight in the long run, said the city’s executive mayor – Patricia de Lille. “The establishment of an efficient, world-class public transportation system is one of the city’s leading priorities. With TCT we undertake to bring people in the metro close together,” she said. “By doing that we are moving one step closer to an integrated transport network with a transport authority.” This, she said, would ultimately result in better safety measures and better facilities across the board in Cape Town and the Western Cape as a whole. The TCT has the bold vision to achieve one public transport network (incorporating rail, buses and taxis), one timetable, one ticket, one fare, one standard infrastructure and operations, one communications system and one public transport brand. She said with people having greater access to opportunities and goods moving more freely across the city and the province the economy would undoubtedly thrive. CAPTION Patricia de Lille ... faster times of travel for commuters and goods.