​Thembisa Shologu
The Department of Transport and Logistics has been allocated R 8,4 billion to accelerate the delivery of transport infrastructure to support Gauteng's economic recovery. 
Tabling the R 8,478 597 Budget Vote for the 2023/24 financial year at the Gauteng Legislature, MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the department is turning the tide against chronic underspending of the Public Transport Operations Grant (PTOG), which has been allocated over R2,6 billion. 
"We are finalising negotiated bus subsidy contracts and shall make announcements before the end of June 2023 on the changes we are introducing to transform the bus sector and ensure that our commuters are serviced properly," said Diale-Tlabela.
The provincial government will ensure stability in the public transport system, especially amongst operators, including minibus taxis, buses, learner or scholar transport, e-hailing, and metered taxi services.
The department is fast-tracking the refurbishment of 40 Municipal Roads in Emfuleni Local Municipality and finalising consultations on "The Taxi Rank of the future".
"The Vereeniging Intermodal Facility, estimated at R300 million, will pilot the one-stop facilities which offer shops, banks, restaurants, and different businesses. 
"In collaboration with the Department of Economic Development (DED), we are determined to ensure local taxi operators become not only consumers but active participants in the transport value chain," Diale-Tlabela said.
About R345 million of the budget is allocated to administration, R2 billion for transport infrastructure, R3,1 billion for transport operations, transport regulations get R339 million, and Gautrain gets R2 billion. 
The department has committed to contributing 11 000 job and training opportunities across the transport sector. 
"These include the first group of 6000 EPWP workers and the 1200 Points persons who will be roped in to help ease traffic and mobility during load shedding and peak hours.  
MEC Diale-Tlabela said they have conceptualised Aga Le Rona, a service delivery accelerator programme, in response to the call by Honourable Premier Lesufi to ensure that all the previously neglected areas in Gauteng receive proper services. 
In the second quarter, the MEC said the department will establish an inclusive Gauteng Public Transport Advisory Forum to create a platform for strategic engagement on policy and regulatory matters.
In addition, the proposed Gauteng-Limpopo Rail Link will enable the development and implementation of an efficient and effective passenger and freight rail system between these two provinces and relieve the N1 of high traffic volumes.