At a recent gathering with former mayor of Bogota Enrique Penalosa, Mayor Helen Zille expressed her ‘100% commitment’ to the Integrated Rapid Transit System. ‘In the context of our goal of infrastructure-led economic growth and job creation, this is possibly our single most important project.'

‘The 2010 Soccer World Cup is our chance to show the world what we are capable of as a city and as a nation. It is one of our best opportunities to market Cape Town as an investment and tourist destination. It is also an important opportunity to fast forward a few years in infrastructure investment, and create a lasting legacy for our citizens.'

‘Our stadium and the upgrade of Green Point Common will provide an impressive platform for the 2010 event, and remain a wonderful asset to our citizens. Yet the greatest benefit by far that we can reap from 2010 will be an improved public transport system. ‘The problem is, the BRT system is not as central to the success of the 2010 event itself as the stadium and its precinct. In the worst case scenario, we could probably get away with setting up temporary shuttle and bus services to cover the extra transport demands of 2010. I believe that would be a mistake.'

‘Firstly, we must not miss this opportunity to tap into the billions of rands national government is willing to provide to us if we can put our plans for a BRT system into action quickly enough. And, of course, a clear deadline also helps us get things done.'

‘Secondly, if we have a basic BRT system in place by the time visitors arrive for the World Cup, it will do that much more to boost investor confidence in Cape Town. This last point is crucial.'

‘We need to think strategically about how we are going to position ourselves in relation to medium-term global economic trends. We are currently in the middle of a downward economic cycle globally and locally. But economists predict that in less than two years we will begin to see an upward swing.'

‘During upward swings, investors typically gain more tolerance for risk, and often look to developing economies for rapid and large returns. Yet they still want to be sure that these countries are a safe enough bet. With 2010 likely to coincide with the beginning of an upward swing in the economic activity, we need to show investors that we are ready for them.'

‘Cape Town is already becoming well positioned in terms of perception. Our job now is to back up the perception that we are trying to create with adequate services and infrastructure.'

‘The Bus Rapid Transit system would open up investment potential in Cape Town, especially in our over-congested city centre, where congestion puts a brake on development. It will also cut commuting and logistics delays on our roads, making it easier to do business in Cape Town. We have already seen travel times reduced for both public and private transport following the introduction of the bus lanes on the N2. We can extend these benefits throughout the city. If we can attract more people away from their cars, we can also cut our annual consumption of fuel. This would help reduce our national deficit, and lessen the overall impact of rising oil prices on our economy.'

‘Finally, BRT will help our city to become a more humane place to live, with fewer traffic jams, less air pollution, and easier access for all. We should never underestimate the importance of this qualitative aspect.’