Government started Transport Month to encourage more people to use public transport and claims that, so far, it has been a resounding success.

Government started Transport Month to encourage more people to use public transport and claims that, so far, it has been a resounding success.

Despite not providing much by way of supporting figures, the Department of Transport's Ntau Letebele said there had been an increase in people using public transport.

In many provinces, government departments joined forces to ensure this month's project achieves its objectives to keep commuters, pedestrians and cyclists safe.

Transport Minister Jeff Radebe initially launched Transport Month in August 2005.

The taxi industry is seen as one of the most important role players in the country's transport sector. The country has an estimated 150000 taxi operators. If regulated properly, the industry can make a significant contribution in uplifting the economy.

He said the department was spearheading projects such as building bridges on major highways and upgrading railway lines.

Letebele said they were also focusing on unroadworthy taxis.

"Taxis are even more important this month because they transported AU delegates to events in different parts of the country," said Letebele.

Earlier this month, the department hosted an AU transport conference in Durban. The meeting discussed how best to improve public transport in Africa.

Letebele said: "We will continue making the lives of our commuters easier by striving to make transport better and safer."

Boy-Boy Mogorosi, Top Six Taxi's deputy secretary, hailed transport month, but said it should be an ongoing initiative.