Question NW864 to the Minister of Finance
10 May 2021 - NW864
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
(1) Whether, with reference to the approval by the City of Ekurhuleni Municipal Council of item: A-TP (01-2021) in its virtual sitting on 28 January 2021, which sought to pay interim compensation to the Ekurhuleni taxi industry for the operation of phase 1 of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network project, the National Treasury has found that the compensation is necessary; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, will the National Treasury be ensuring that the approved item is actioned; (2) (a) what is the total figure in respect of the approved recommendation stating that the payment of R10,00 fare per passenger on the Harambee Service between Tembisa-ORTIA and extension to Bartlett to affected taxi operators for the daily passenger revenue loss, which will be from the R17,00 per passenger fare collected, (b) why has the amount to be paid not been capped and (c) which taxi associations are part of the Ekurhuleni taxi industry; (3) whether the National Treasury has received correspondence from the caucus of a certain political party (name furnished) on this matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) is appropriated to Vote 40: National Department of Transport. Therefore, the responsibilities of approval of all aspects of the PTNG, industry compensation included, lie with the Department of Transport to ensure that money spent in the conditional grant meet the conditions in the Division of Revenue Act, but to also ensure that it is consistent with the Public Transport Policy and Regulations. It is therefore recommended that these questions be referred to the Ministry of Transport.