The Portfolio committee on Transport has resolved to prioritise the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) in the coming year. The committee concluded a two-day strategic workshop held at Parliament where it dealt with matters affecting the sector. The workshop began on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday.
“We want to ensure a systematic monitoring and oversight role that will ensure a reliable, affordable and safe public transport. The single-ticketing should be piloted, but importantly there must be transformation in the sector,” said the Chairperson, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane.
During the two days the committee dealt with such matters as unstable boards, collapse of rail transport, panel vans, scholar transport, subsidies, and the BRT (bus rapid transit) roll out.
“In the first term we will have to meet with the minister so that he could clarify the role of the administrator at Prasa. But as we understand it, the administrator is the board and accounts to the committee,” said Mr Zwane.
Committee member, Mr Chris Humsinger, said the Democratic Alliance was excited about the step the committee took to have its own strategy.
“This is the only committee to have a strategic plan. This will make the work of the committee seamless and align it with the department and its entities. We are very happy and excited about that,” said Mr Humsinger.
The committee will prioritise legislation but will seek to learn the best practices abroad, regarding programmes.
By Sibongile Maputi
6 February 2020
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