Public transport set to be drastically improved
JOBURG – Using public transport is the aim of the game.
During Transport Month in October, the City of Joburg has been advocating for the use and improvement of public transportation in the city.
Public transport is an integral part of South Africa’s economy, for without the taxis and buses that transport commuters on a daily basis, many working class citizens would not make it to their place of work.
During this month it has been the main aim of the City of Joburg to find ways of improving modes of public transportation – even considering the introduction of a universal pass that could be used by commuters to access the trains, buses and taxis in the city.
“Our goal is to have an integrated public transport system where all residents can have equal access to safe and reliable public transport,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, councillor Nonhlanhla Makhuba, at the official start of the Kasi to Kasi transport adventure.
“Then we will be able to say that we have achieved reliable public transport for our residents.”
She explained the strategies of the City to improve modes of transport.
“We have introduced new Metro Buses over the last year and are in construction to extend the Rea Vaya buses to Alexandra township and Sandton. In the end, there shouldn’t be an area around the city of Johannesburg that doesn’t have a bus operating service.”
She then allowed various invited guests to embark on a day-long journey through Johannesburg, using the public transport available to complete a scavenger hunt by finding a number of places of interest throughout the culturally rich city.
Departing from Joburg Theatre, eight teams used their clues to find different heritage sites including The Apartheid Museum at Gold Reef City, the Miner’s Monument in Braamfontein and Thokoza Park in Soweto.
This journey also allowed for participants to make use of the City’s new transportation app, Vaya Moja, to assess its effectiveness and help improve on it as well as provide suggestions to improve public transport.
Read: Celebrate Transport Month
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
