Conference participants Faried Wally and Ashlene Hunter welcomed by organisers Lee van den Berg and Deidre Ribbonaar.

A Public Transport Conference focusing on persons with special needs was held in partnership with Disabled Persons of South Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The main objective was to involve relevant role players and stakeholders in the plight of attaining a dignified, efficient, safe and integrated transport system for persons with disabilities.

According to Deidré Ribbonaar from Strategic Support, it emerged from the conference that people with disabilities need interventions to "bridge the gap between the platform and train". It is also essential that public transport vehicles, such as the new taxis acquired through the Taxi Recapitalisation process are made accessible for commuters with disabilities. "We will have to train our public transport operators to be more sensitive to persons with special needs", she said.

Enquiries:
Chris Prins
Deputy Manager: Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 2132
Email: cwprins@pgwc.gov.za