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National Learner Transport Policy Presentation

08 September 2015

Purpose Background Policy drafting process Legislative and Policy Framework Current state of learner transport (status quo) Future state of learner transport (desired outcomes) Policy focus Scope of application Vision and Mission Policy objectives and principles Key elements of the policy Policy Implementation Plan

Contents

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The purpose of the presentation is to present

approved National Learner Transport Policy and

Implementation Plan.

Purpose

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Background Information The learner transport policy development started a few years ago

after the realisation of a policy gap. As such the environment within and the manner in which learners

accessed centres of learning experienced serious challenges, among others, no services at all, unsafe and unsecure methods that were used, uncoordinated services, unscrupulous operations, non-standardised methods, to mention but a few.

The following process ( with Department of Basic Education as a key partner-approved by both Minmecs) was adopted:

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Needs analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Draft Policy

Gazette for final comments

Final Policy

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We are here

Policy drafting process

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2012 National Consultation Workshop held with relevant stakeholders

2012 The Director-General approves the policy for further consultation

2013 MINMEC approval of the policy for public comments

2013 Approval of the draft policy by FOSAD for public comments

2014 Approval of the draft policy by Cabinet for public comments

2014 The publication of the policy for public comments and consultations

2015 Finalization of draft National Learner Transport Policy

2015 Submission to and Approval of the National Learner Transport Policy by Cabinet Committee

and Cabinet

Legislative and Policy framework

Constitution Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 White Paper on National Transport Policy, 1996 National Land Transport Act of 2009 National Road Traffic of 1996 National Public Transport Strategy and Action Plan, 2009 South African Schools Act, 1996 National Education Policy Act, 1996 Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, 2005 Children’s Act, 2005

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Regulation of Learner Transport

Learner Transport is regulated by:

National Land Transport Act No 05 of 2009 and its supporting regulations

National Road Traffic Act of 1996 and supporting regulations

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Regulation of Learner Transport cont…

• National Land Transport Act No 05 of 2009– Section 50 provides that no person may operate a road-based public

transport service without a valid operating licence.

– Section 72 provides for the transportation of scholars where a public transport service is dedicated to transporting scholars and the Minister may prescribe regulations on special requirements for those services.

– Section 71 provides for adapted light delivery vehicles which may be used for public transport services in a particular area (i.e. rural areas) in prescribed circumstances where there is no other appropriate or acceptable public transport, and subject to prescribed conditions.

– Section 42 of the NLTA Regulations of 2009 provides that an application of Operating License for scholar transport must be accompanied by Contract where applicable a contract between the operator and school, educational institution or department and copies of the Professional Drivers Permits

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Regulation of Learner Transport cont…

• National Road Traffic Act, No 93 of 1996 – Regulation 216 of the National Road Traffic Act provides that

only motor vehicles that comply with the National Road Traffic Act and compulsory specifications should be used to convey persons for reward.

– The transportation of persons for reward in the goods compartment of a motor vehicle is illegal. Regulation 250 provides that no person shall on a public road carry any person for reward in the goods compartment of a motor vehicle.

– The practice of overloading vehicles with passengers is also a contravention of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000.

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Current state of learner transport

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Status quoOperational issues:Un-authorizedUn-roadworthy vehiclesLearners walking long distances

Planning issues:Un-coordinated transport planningTravel plans not linked transport needs

Huntington

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Status quo Organisational,

coordination and funding

Insufficient servicesNon standardised tariff formula

Institutional capacity and supportInsufficient management capacity, e.g. law enforcementInsufficient monitoring

Current state of learner transport…

Status Quo-learners Transport Information (2015/16)

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Future state of learner transport

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Desired outcomesTimeous delivery of serviceRegulated operations and reduced accidents Coordinated approach in relation to planning and implementation Well maintained vehiclesViable and sustainable operations Uniformity of services and tariff structure An effective performance monitoring

Policy Focus

Central to the transport policy is how effectively and efficiently manage learner transport operations, in a manner that support the education of learners by focusing on: the quality of vehicles; performance and conduct of learner transport operators; and enhance road traffic discipline - thus how best to contribute

to an efficient and harmonious operations of Road traffic and safety management system.

Ensuring effective Learner Transport Planning Ensuring alignment and integration of transport operations

and educational needs

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Scope of application

The policy applies for the transportation of learners from grade R to 12 including learners with disabilities as defined by the SASA of 1996.

It should be understood within the context of inter-governmental relation.

Salient features include but not limited to: Service standards and procedures Route accessibility and design Safety specifications and vehicle design Capacity building and skills development, etc. Close collaboration and monitoring of the implementing

agencies

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Vision and Mission

Vision : A safe, reliable and integrated transport service that

caters for the needs of learners.

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Mission: The mobility needs of learners shall be met through

the provision of a safe, secure, reliable and affordable learner

transport service to support social development and enhance

future economic growth..

Policy objectivesTo guide the implementation of a shared vision to improve access to quality education through a coordinated and aligned learner transport system.To improve the planning and implementation of an integrated learner transport service.To ensure an effective management of learner transport system.To provide reliable, safe and secure transport for learners through co-operation and collaboration with law enforcement authorities.

Policy objectives and principles

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Policy principlesEquity and redressQuality and EffectivenessOperational safety and efficiencyOperational sustainabilityMulti-modal integration

Institutional Framework for the implementation of learner transport Learner transport planning, Learner transport safety and security Criteria for learner Transport Beneficiaries Service Design for learner transport Procurement of learner transport services Remuneration of learner transport operators Funding Modal Integration Universal Design Law Enforcement Monitoring and evaluation.

Key elements of the policy

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Key elements of the policy…

Institutional Framework for the implementation of learner transport:

National government will oversee the implementation of the policy in consultation of relevant stakeholders including provinces, municipalities and School Governing Bodies (SGBs). In this regard a national Inter-Departmental institutional mechanism will be established to oversee and monitor the implementation of the policy in line with the key performance indicators developed

At the provincial and local level, institutional mechanism will be established to foster integrated planning, effective monitoring and delivery of learner transport services.

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Key elements of the policy….

Learner transport planning: A joint planning committee on learner transport with representatives of

the Provincial Department of Transport (PDOT) Provincial Department of Education (PDE), Municipalities must be established

Learner transport safety and security: Learner transport vehicles used to transport learners have to meet the

safety requirements of the National Road Traffic Act (Act No. 93 of 1996) applicable to the transportation of passengers

Criteria for learner Transport Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries for subsidised learner transport must be for a needy

learner from Grade R to Grade 12. Subsidized learner transport must take into account existing public

transport services

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Key elements of the policy…

Service Design for learner transport: The implementing departments in consultation with other

relevant stakeholders must design a well-defined learner transport service which includes roads infrastructure, pick-up/drop off points/stops and signage for the safe transportation of learner

Procurement of learner transport services: Only authorised operators with approved modes of transport

shall be contracted for the learner transport provision Remuneration of learner transport operators:

A standardised measure of remuneration for subsidised learner transport shall be based on total kilometres travelled

Factors such as road condition shall be considered

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Key elements of the policy..

Funding: Learner Transport shall be funded through provincial treasuries budget

allocations

Modal Integration: Implementing department must promote the use of all modes in the

transportation of learners, including cycling, walking. Measures must be taken to ensure that the all modes are integrated and complement one another.

Universal Design: Vehicles transporting learners must adhere to the requirements and

principle of universal design, especially those that are transporting learners with disabilities

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Key elements of the policy..

Law Enforcement: Provincial Departments of Transport and municipalities shall

ensure that there is sufficient and efficient law enforcement to monitor these operators. Punitive measures should be taken against operators that transport learners without regard to the national road traffic regulation in unroadworthy vehicles and overloading.

Monitoring and Evaluation: An independent assessment shall be undertaken every three

years on the impact of programme implementation

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Policy Implementation Plan

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

Action Responsibility Timelines

Publish the policy in the government gazette

Department of Transport September 2015

Finalise Norms/Standards and Operational Guidelines for Learner Transport

Department of Transport December 2015

Development of Standardised Model Contract to guide contracting authorities

Department of Transport December 2015

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Policy Implementation Plan INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

Action Responsibility Timelines

Submit the National Land Transport Amendment Bill to Parliament to empower provinces as contracting authorities

Department of Transport November 2015

Assessment of costing and funding for policy implementation

Department of Transport December 2016

Monitoring of the Learner Transport Programmes Implementation

DOT, DBE and provinces Quarterly basis

Implement a scaled up National Bicycle Programme (Shova Kalula) to support learner transport programmes

Department of Transport March 2015 and beyond

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Policy Implementation Plan INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

Action Responsibility Timelines

Facilitate the implementation of Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN)

Department of Transport Provinces and Municipalities

Ongoing

Develop Institutional Capacity on the implementation of learner transport policy, norms and standards

Department of Transport, DBE, Provinces

September 2015 and beyond

Institute National Inter-Departmental Committee (NIDC) and facilitate the provincial interdepartmental Committees

Department of Transport

Provinces

October 2015

Develop and implement national policy advocacy programme to raise awareness of the policy

Department of Transport December 2015 and beyond

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Thank You