Motorists were urged to rather make use of public transport by the management of the Gautrain and Tshwane’s A Re Yeng during an activation event to encourage greater utilisation of public transport services over private vehicle use.
Motorists stuck in morning peak traffic were encouraged to use public transport as it is generally a more efficient, convenient, cost-effective, reliable, safer, and greener mode of transport.
The activation took place at a busy traffic intersection in Tshwane on Friday, while another activation is scheduled for October 25 in Johannesburg.
The activations are an initiative of the Gautrain in partnership with bus rapid transit systems operating in the City of Tshwane and the City of Johannesburg as part of marking October Transport Month.
The negative effects of traffic congestion include increased travel time and driver stress, high fuel consumption, air and noise pollution, and the economic decline of cities. Whereas public transport systems do not only ferry a large number of passengers quickly and reliably, but also provide a cleaner, greener mode of transport that helps to reduce road congestion, harmful carbon dioxide emissions, and noise pollution.
According to the Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe, the entity commissioned an independent economic impact study in 2018 which revealed that a single trip on the Gautrain saves an average of 2.8 kilograms of carbon dioxide per passenger when compared to a private car.
The study further revealed that every monthly Gautrain commuter (someone who uses the train every working day to and from work for a month) between Johannesburg and Tshwane will save roughly seven hours and around R1,300 per month in petrol and car maintenance costs.
“As the Gautrain, we remain committed to offering a world-class sustainable transport system and working closely with the likes of A Re Yeng and Rea Vaya to ensure a more integrated public transport network in the province,” said Kgobe.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Oversight Committee, Brenden Govender, emphasised that, "By choosing public transport, we save money and contribute to making Tshwane a cleaner, more sustainable city. Public transport offers an affordable, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to daily travel, and we are proud to see Tshwane residents embrace this shift."
This was echoed by Pheko Letlonkane, Group Head for Road and Transport, who urged private vehicle users to consider switching to public transport, emphasising that doing so will save time and money and help reduce the city's carbon footprint.
"Join us today in making Tshwane a greener, safer, and more connected city by choosing A Re Yeng," he said. He also encouraged commuters to continue supporting public transport and to inspire others to do the same, reminding them that they are part of a movement shaping a more sustainable future for Tshwane.
The Acting Executive Director for Transport in the City of Joburg, Benny Makgoga, said “Rea Vaya BRT represents a major point in how the City deals with traffic congestion, pollution and greenhouse gases emitted due to transportation in Johannesburg.” Rea Vaya Phase 1A and B are cutting carbon emissions in Johannesburg by 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents a year.
This is according to the strict and scientific estimation carried out by international experts in the field (Grutter Consulting). By switching to Rea Vaya buses that run in their own uncongested corridors and consume far less fuel per person moved, overall greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, Makgoga said.