1. Draft National Learner Transport Policy Presentation
June 2015

2. Contents 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
Pillars
Policy objectives and principles
Key elements of the policy
Implementation Plan

3. Purpose
The purpose of the presentation is to present approved National Learner Transport Policy.

4. 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:
Needs analysis
Stakeholder engagement
Draft Policy
Gazette for final comments
Final Policy
FOSAD
Cabinet
Cabinet
Implementation, M& E
We are here

5. Policy drafting process
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
The publication of the policy for public comments and consultations
Finalization of draft National Learner Transport Policy
Submission to and Approval of the National Learner Transport Policy by Cabinet Committee and Cabinet

6. 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

7. Current state of learner transport
Status quo
Operational issues:
Un-authorized
Un-roadworthy vehicles
Learners walking long distances
Planning issues:
Un-coordinated transport planning
Travel plans not linked transport needs

8. Current state of learner transport…
Status quo
Organisational, coordination and funding
Insufficient services
Non standardised tariff formula
Institutional capacity and support
Insufficient management capacity, e.g. law enforcement
Insufficient monitoring

9. Status Quo-learners Transport Information (2014/15)

10. Future state of learner transport
Desired outcomes
Timeous delivery of service
Regulated operations and reduced accidents
Coordinated approach in relation to planning and implementation
Well maintained vehicles
Viable and sustainable operations
Uniformity of services and tariff structure
An effective performance monitoring

11. 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

12. 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

13. Vision and Mission
Vision : A safe, reliable and integrated transport service that caters for the needs of learners.
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..

14. Pillars for Learner Transport Implementation
Tools:
Targeted interventions through the Road safety plan
Re-focused implementation of Rural Transport Development Plan
Safety and security for Law Enforcement of legislation and regulations
Contracting / remuneration framework to sustain operations
M & E guidelines
Establishment of a management structure
Sectoral Key performance indicators and reporting templates
Communication and Awareness workshops
Levers:
Access to transport services particularly in rural and historically disadvantaged areas
All weather access road infrastructure through Access road plan
Public Transport Turnaround Strategy
Integrated public transport plans [IPTNs]
Monitoring integrated planning and implementation of the programme
Funding
Legislations and regulations
Capacity building

15. Policy objectives and principles
To 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 principles
Equity and redress
Quality and Effectiveness
Operational safety and efficiency
Operational sustainability
Multi-modal integration

16. Key elements of the policy
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.

17. Key elements of the draft 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.

18. Key elements of the draft 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

19. Key elements of the draft 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

20. Key elements of the draft 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

21. Key elements of the draft 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

22. Policy Implementation Plan
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Action
Responsibility
Timelines
Finalise Norms/Standards and Operational Guidelines for Learner Transport
Department of Transport
December 2015
Assessment of costing and funding for policy implementation
March 2016
Development of Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
December 2015
Development of Standardised Model Contract to guide contracting authorities

23. Policy Implementation Plan
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Action
Responsibility
Timelines
Submit the National Land transport Amendment Act to Parliament (to empower provinces as contracting authorities
Department of Transport
September 2015
Develop and implement a targeted a National Learner Transport Road Safety Programme
Provinces
RTMC
March 2015
Monitoring of the Learner Transport Programmes Implementation
DOT, DBE and provinces
Quarterly basis

24. Policy Implementation Plan
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Action
Responsibility
Timelines
Implement a scaled up National Bicycle Programme (Shova Kalula)
Department of Transport
March 2015 and beyond
Institute National Inter-Departmental Committee (NIDC) and facilitate the provincial interdepartmental Committees
Provinces
December 2015
Monitoring of the Learner Transport Programmes Implementation
DOT, DBE and provinces
Quarterly basis
Implement Acess Roads Infrastructure Programme (S’hamba Sonke) and Road Asset Management System (RAMS)
Ongoing

25. Policy Implementation Plan
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING
Strategic Action
Responsibility
Timelines
Develop and implement national policy advocacy programme to raise awareness of the policy
Department of Transport
December 2015 and beyond
Develop Institutional Capacity on the implementation of learner transport policy, norms and standards
Department of Transport, DBE, Provinces
September 2015 and beyond

26. Policy Implementation Plan
INTEGRATED PLANNING
Strategic Action
Responsibility
Timelines
Implement Integrated Public Transport Networks in selected urban and rural areas taking into account the needs of learners
Department of Transport
Municipalities
2015 and beyond
Finalise and implement the Public Transport Turn Around Plan
Provinces and Municipalities
Strengthen integrated planning between Transport and Education

27. Thank You