Chairperson and hon members, as the ANC we support the Bill for four simple reasons. Firstly, the amendments to the Act will ensure that we bring the South African transport trajectory in line with international best practice and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It will further ensure that government consolidates systematically the transport function across the three spheres of government.

The Bill will further provide for, and regulate electronic hailing services to enable operators to operate with an app, as well as to empower the Minister to prescribe requirements, standards applicable and offences for the use of e-hailing technology-enabled applications.

This dispensation will ensure that we bring the much-needed stability between the meter taxi and the electronic hailing taxi industry which are characterised by uncertainty, conflict and criminality. Once enacted, this law will provide for temporary licences to be obtained over the counter by a shortened procedure from an official or a member of the regulatory entity delegated by the entity, and a shortened process on application to replace a vehicle specified in the operating license.

It will further ensure that provinces are given an opportunity to conclude new contracts for public transport services in areas where municipalities do not comply with the prescribed requirements. This is more appealing to us because it augurs well with the notion of co- operative governance as well as the support that provincial government, in particular, must give to municipalities in terms of the Constitution.

We therefore call for the support and passing of the Bill. I thank you, Chairperson.