Exploring the case for a central support centre for transport planning and analysis in South Africa

Abstract

Paper presented at the 23rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 12 - 15 July 2004 "Getting recognition for the importance of transport", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. Improving South Africa’s land transport efficiency is critical to lowering transaction costs, improving accessibility for economic and social development and for the development of sustainable urban environments. Given the enormous planning challenge for authorities involved in planning and managing transport and the support needs from the private consulting sector, R&D establishments and academic institutions, which would seem to warrant a centralised planning support response. Internationally support centres for transport planning are thriving. This paper briefly sets down the need, possible role and functions of a Transport Analysis Support Centre for South Africa to improve the quality of planning and implementation across all sectors.