Assessing the integration between motorised and non-motorised transport systems: experiences of the Ekurhuleni Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is considered an economically progressive country, meaning it is slowly exiting the third world and transitioning towards the developing world. With this comes many challenges, some rooted in transportation. Around 80% of South Africans solely rely on public transportation (PT) and are dependent on private minibus taxis. There is little knowledge and evidence on the fluidity and integration of motorised transport systems with non-motorised transport (NMT) in South Africa. Consequently, this work assessed the implementation of NMT and PT in Ekurhuleni. The study adopted a case study research design by analysing the Harambee BRT through a qualitative approach using desktop studies and semi-structured interviews with key informants involved in the project. The work identified five aspects of accessibility (application of the inclusive cities paradigm), safety (sufficient lighting, signage and frequent patrolling by law enforcement), infrastructure (Information and Communications Technology (ICT), walkways, pedestrian bridges, dedicated bus lanes, paving, and tact tiles, universal design principles and an Ekucard system), sustainability (promoting healthier lifestyles and the cost effectiveness of the transport system) and public involvement as the core elements which created a model that needs to be implemented in future projects in order to effectively integrate NMT and PT.

Keywords

• Non-motorised transportation
• public transportation
• accessibility
• infrastructure and integration