Inclusive-inclusion : integrated public transport network (IPTN) as a key enabler of city development strategy in Fetakgomo tubatse

Abstract

The role of Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTN) in achieving socio-economic inclusion and spatial development cannot be overemphasised. This is particularly so in rural-based municipalities, where communities located in villages have to navigate around the mobility and accessibility constraints to reach important sources of livelihoods. While the World Bank has recommended that on average a household should spend not more than 10% of its income on transport, for communities in rural-based municipality it is uncommon to spend as high as 35-40%. This has been attributed to limited accessible socio-economic opportunities as well as apartheid segregatory spatial planning policies, which perpetuate socio-economic exclusion. In Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality, socio-economic opportunities are concentrated in few towns of Burgersfort, Steelpoort and Ohrigstat as well as major mining belts. Thus, to address these challenges, the Municipality embarked on a city development strategy which focuses on economic diversification through implementing targeted development interventions across the spatial development six regions. These regions are inter-connected by a robust transport network which enhances a free-flow of commodities and passengers. In terms of public transport, the Municipality has prioritised the development of an IPTN which aims to provide an efficient, safe, affordable, integrated and sustainable service across the key development nodes in the six regions. This paper discusses how the IPTN has been positioned to act as one of the key enablers of the municipality’s city development strategy and to contribute towards achieving the goal of inclusive-inclusion.