During this year’s Transport Month under the theme, Towards Ecomobility – Walk, Cycle and Use Public Transport, a number of transport-related events have been planned to promote alternative modes of transportation including non-motorised and public transport.
As the theme suggests, residents are urged to walk, cycle and use public transport rather than private vehicles to get around the city.
In a bid to encourage the use of public transport, commuters will receive a R1 discount on all Rea Vaya routes for the duration of October.
The city council would also partner with Absa City Festival by providing dedicated Rea Vaya BRT services, including transporting rugby fans from park-and-ride facilities to Ellis Park Stadium for the Lions vs All Blacks rugby match on 4 October.
The city council is set to launch a non-motorised transport route in Orlando on 23 October, which would be dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists.
Further, an awareness and safety campaign will be conducted with taxi drivers at Baragwanath Taxi rank as part of the city council’s efforts to improve public transport safety and support the taxi industry.
“This is another important step towards a future in which we will not need a car to get around,” said MMC for Transport Christine Walters, referring to the city council’s transport-related activities.
The month of activities would follow a green transport summit, which will be held at the University of Joburg on 1 October.
The Go Mobility Summit, presided by top local and international transport experts on alternative fuels such as gas, was part of the city council’s efforts to reduce air pollution, carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, and enable local job creation and income generation initiatives.
