Reimagining urban transport: South Africa's path to integrated public mobility

SOUTH Africa's urban landscapes are marred by the spatial legacies of apartheid-era planning, where residential suburbs are often situated far from employment hubs, leading to a disproportionate burden on families who spend over 20% of their income on transport. As the nation moves beyond Transport Month, urgent calls for investment and innovation arise, with the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) leading the charge for transformative change in urban mobility.

The challenge is immense. The country's road network and public transport assets are in dire need of attention, grappling with aging infrastructure that deteriorates faster than it can be maintained, says SAICE. Budget constraints, rising traffic volumes, and increasingly heavy freight loads exacerbate the wear and tear of existing assets. Routine and preventive maintenance have fallen by the wayside, resulting in escalating repair costs and a relentless decline in quality, especially in rural and municipal areas.

“To avert potential economic stagnation and enhance road safety, sustained investment is paramount,” warns Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, CEO of SAICE. She emphasises the necessity for integrated asset management systems and lifecycle-based maintenance strategies. The urgency is underscored by the fact that without such interventions, the infrastructure's capacity to support economic productivity and equitable access will be severely compromised.

The current pace of urbanisation in South Africa presents a unique opportunity to reshape transport dynamics. Co-ordinated land use and transport planning could pave the way for improved access to new public housing investments and strategies to manage the burgeoning number of motor vehicles. Lethu Dlanjwa, Chairperson of SAICE’s Transport Division, elaborates: “We need progressive spatial transformation that reduces travel distances and fosters mixed-use urban environments.”

Dlanjwa outlines the pillars of integrated public transport, which hinges upon seamless connectivity among various transport modes, including buses, trains, minibus taxis, and non-motorised transport options. The nexus of accessibility and transport interventions can be achieved through holistic changes in both macro and micro land use patterns — minimising the need for motorised transport while enhancing public transport efficiency.

“Public transport interchanges must be designed as inclusive and safe spaces,” Dlanjwa asserts. These hubs should facilitate smooth transitions between modes of transport while simultaneously bolstering local economic activity. Technology can play a pivotal role, with innovations like real-time passenger information systems and smart ticketing solutions further improving the commuter experience and streamlining operations.

However, the effective integration of diverse public transport modes necessitates robust policy frameworks. “We must cement integrated transport planning at the municipal level, ensuring that Integrated Transport Plans are enforceable and supported by clear performance targets and dedicated funding,” emphasises Dlanjwa. Recognising the role of paratransit services, especially minibus taxis, within the formal transport ecosystem is crucial for establishing a cohesive network.

Learning from global best practices while adapting solutions to the local context is essential. As seen in Curitiba, Brazil, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has thrived amidst urban congestion. "South Africa can formalise minibus taxi routes and promote mixed-use developments near transport hubs," Dlanjwa advocates, suggesting such strategies could alleviate spatial inequalities endemic to South African cities.

Ultimately, collaboration is key. Enhanced partnerships between government entities, the private sector, and communities are necessary to cultivate effective integrated transport solutions. “Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can solicit the necessary resources for infrastructure projects, with public oversight ensuring alignment with social objectives,” Dlanjwa explains.

Engaging communities through participatory workshops and digital platforms will also be vital in addressing the unique needs of informal settlements. Such initiatives — paired with community-led safety audits at taxi ranks — can significantly improve perceptions of security and overall user experience.