Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane says she will meet with the national Minister of Transport Sbu Ndebele to discuss concerns over the recently announced tolling strategy.
Delivering the State of the Province Address, Mokonyane said she would have a bilateral meeting with Ndebele on Tuesday, 22 February, to "explore alternative options in the best interests of commuters and the state."
"We have observed with serious concerns the announcement of the implementation of the tolling strategy, which has been made in isolation from a comprehensive, viable, public transport plan and with a lack of consultation, in particular with the Gauteng Provincial Government," said the Premier.
Mokonyane said while the province was not opposed to the idea of tolling as a cost recovery mechanism, it was concerned with the manner in which it is to be implemented, including the pricing and its impact on the economy of the province.
"We support the need for public consultation and the need for an affordable, reliable and safe public transport system, including the use of tolling as a cost recovery mechanism," Mokonyane said.
A joint statement on the outcome of the meeting is expected to be released later.
