The Public Transport Integration Challenge : what Role for the Fiscal System?

Abstract

Spending for public transport has significantly ramped up over the years. Further, given our history and spatial legacy, subsidies for public transport are high by international standards, especially when recovery from the fare box is used as a benchmark. However, a quick glance at the South African public transport landscape shows that this is characterised by multiple funding flows, to multiple governmental spheres and structures, funding multiple modes. This needs much better coordination to create the efficiencies, extract value for money and enhance affordability given our limited resources. Further, as it stands, the system does not provide a seamless experience to the commuter. What are the first steps towards this integrated transport systems? How can the financing system catalyse this? And what are the key steps going into the future?