Question NW380 to the Minister of Transport
10 April 2024 - NW380
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What specific steps of intervention has her department taken to ensure that persons living with disabilities, in particular those who are wheelchair bound, are catered for in the public transport system?
Reply:
Public transport is defined by the Department of Transport as road-based public transport (buses, minibus taxis, taxis and e-hailing services). The Department of Transport monitors and evaluates public transport. The Province and Municipalities implement public transport systems.
The universal accessibility of these public transport systems is covered in the 2021 White Paper on National Transport Policy; the 2007 Public Transport Strategy and Action Plan; the Implementation Strategy to Guide the Accessibility of Public Transport Systems in South Africa, the National Land Transport Act and the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG).
In rural areas 2016 Rural Public Transport Strategy, requires universal accessibility to services. There is a programme for learners with disabilities in the 2015 National Scholar Transport Policy.
The bus standard, 10370, which has been a national compulsory standard since 2009 in IPTN cities, includes access for wheelchair users. It is due to be revised next year, and will apply to all other areas of the country after that. In addition, the Department has developed minimum requirements for pedestrian crossings in 2017.