THE Transport Minister of South Africa, Sibusiso Ndebele, was joined by provincial transport MECs, CEOs of transport agencies, senior government officials, key transport stakeholders and members of the community, to launch the Department of Transport’s (DoT) annual October Transport Month Campaign in Johannesburg yesterday, September 30.

This year, the campaign was launched under the theme, Safety in all modes of Transport: Systems readiness for 2010. The campaign focuses on all areas of transport with a strong emphasis on road safety.

DoT and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) officially launched the Mobile Police Station coach initiative on long-distance rail journeys, such as the Shosholoza Meyl rail service. The first of its kind, the Mobile Police Station coach will assist in improving and ensuring the safety of long-distance passenger rail travellers and soccer fans who will visit the country during next year’s soccer tournament. 

 “We continue treating safety in passenger rail, and will continue to improve visible policing within the rail environments and in trains,” says Ndebele. “With initiatives by PRASA these will make rail the backbone of our public transport system for 2010 and beyond.”

Autopax also unveiled the prototypes of the new fleet of buses that will be used to transport spectators during the Soccer World Cup. The unveiling of the coaches will assist with the ferrying of commuters to and from the games and will ensure safe and comfortable travelling.