Public transport: Know the facts first
Key facts the public should be aware of so they can make informed decisions before changing the way they commute.
With the petrol price predicted to continue increasing, more and more South African motorists are likely to consider switching to public transport.
Before you do so, there are important considerations to take into account to ensure you choose the type of public transport that suits you best in terms of affordability, access and reliability, said the South African Bus Operators Association (Saboa).
Apart from the increased in the price of petrol, commuting to work as a motorist is also becoming more and more dangerous due to behavioural changes.
Reliable, affordable and accessible public transport can, therefore, play an important role in many South Africans’ daily lives in the future. Not only can it relieve the pressure on their household budgets, but it takes distracted driving, driving while tired etc. out of the equation and makes a positive impact on lowering the risk of commuting on South African roads.
For every South African that is considering using public transport as an alternative to commuting via motor vehicles, it is important to be aware of all the benefits, regulations, and differences between the various options. Currently, the two most widely used modes of public transport for South Africans are per bus and per taxi.
For many years, South Africa’s bus industry has made a vital contribution to the economy, as well as the country’s social development.
According to Arrive Alive thousands of buses provide millions of citizens – young and old –transport to schools, shops, hospitals, work etc on a daily basis.
According to Professor Jackie Walters, who is the Head of the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, and the Director of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies Africa, there are a few key points about using a bus as public transport that South Africans should be aware of:
• Due to regulatory requirements, bus operators have to adhere to prescribed timetables and routes, regardless of whether the bus is at full capacity or not. Some services are available during the evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Many non-profitable bus routes are kept active to meet the social needs of the population and bus fares are subsidised to make this form of public transport more affordable to the general public.
• Many of these services are over long distances, especially on trips from rural areas to urban areas, where critical mobility is offered at affordable prices to commuters that live long distances away from places of employment.
• Services also play a critical role in the morning and evening peaks by providing public transport capacity when it is most needed and the roads are mostly congested with motor car traffic.
• Bus operations are also independently monitored to ensure that contracted services (where they are in place) adhere to contract requirements.
• In terms of safety, bus companies spend significant amounts on training and training facilities and invest in the business and operational infrastructures such as office space, depots and maintenance and training facilities.
• Bus companies also have comprehensive insurance policies in place should accidents occur that result in claims against a company.
• Buses must be maintained according to the specifications prescribed in the National Road Traffic Act and road-worthiness tests are compulsory every six months.
• Bus operations are also highly unionised, with an industry bargaining council that determines minimum wages, annual wage increases, conditions of employment and hours of work.
“Whether South Africans decide to continue commuting with their cars, alternate between commuting with their cars and public transport, use public transport more often, or use South Africa’s public transport network on a daily basis, it is important that they are aware of all the facts, pros and cons, and potential pitfalls, to ensure that they make an informed decision,” said Eric Cornelius, Executive Manager at Saboa.
For more information about South Africa’s bus industry, visit Saboa’s website at https://www.saboa.co.za or contact saboa@saboa.co.za.
• Source: Chericoll Consulting
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