National government embarked on a feasibility study on the infamous R573 Moloto Road and I am pleased to announce that an integrated rapid rail option solution will be implemented in this important corridor, which carries over 35 000 commuters per day to Gauteng, particularly to the City of Tshwane and back. I am also pleased to announce that an integrated rapid rail option solution will be implemented in this important corridor, which carries that big number of people, as I have mentioned.
In the current financial year, over R5,5 billion will be spent in 13 cities on planning, building and operating integrated public transport networks.
Regarding school transport, the conditions and ways in which our learners travel to school leave much to be desired. The Department of Transport and the Department of Basic Education will soon finalise the policy and will table it to Cabinet. To date, 95 000 bicycles have been distributed by the department. In the next three years, we intend to distribute more than 21 000.
Although the sector is crucial to reducing poverty, sharing prosperity and achieving development goals, transport is also at the heart of development challenges, such as rapid urbanisation and motorisation. Cities are expected to grow to 5,2 billion residents by 2050. Over the next 20 years, more cars may be built than in the 110-year history of the auto industry.
Regarding accessibility and affordability, an estimated one billion people in low-income countries lack access to an all-weather road. In cities, time lost to congestion erodes prosperity. High mobility costs cut the disposable income of the poor in many cities that lack formal and affordable public transport.
As the developing world rapidly urbanises, there is an opportunity to build safer, cleaner and more affordable transport systems that reduce congestion ... [Interjections.] ... facilitate access to jobs and lower transport energy consumption. In emerging cities, where most of the new urban dwellers live, city planners have an opportunity to design sustainable and inclusive transport system from the start, leapfrogging more polluting and costly modes. In older, larger cities ... [Time expired.] I thank you. [Applause.]