Public transport under the spotlight

By Nadia Samie
9 October 2006

In light of October being Public Transport Month, the department of Transport and Public Works launched what it calls a “Walking Bus” today.

Through the walking bus initiative, each day from the 9th to the 31st of October, commuters will be escorted between 3 and 7PM by a trained security person along five walking bus routes through the city, all the way to their train.

MEC for transport and public works in the province, Marius Fransman, says in a statement that surveys indicate that that commuters do not feel safe, particularly around stations and depots that form critical points of access to the public transport system.

The walking bus activities are as follows:

· From Gallows Hill Traffic Department (Riebeck Street)
· Corner Lower Buitengracht and Coen Steitler (Coen Steitler)
· Corner Constitution and Tenant Street (Schools Route)
· Meul Streut Bridge – Corner Wesley and Buitenkant (Gardens)

Fransman urged the public to use busses, saying that it will improve the environment, and present an opportunity to meet new friends, enhance health and contribute to a safer, stronger community.