In a bid to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion that plagues city highways during peak hours, the Gautrain and A Re Yeng, City of Tshwane’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, held a public activation today aimed at encouraging commuters to swap their private vehicles for public transport.
The initiative, a part of marking October Transport Month, highlights the several significant benefits of using public transport by commuters, from cost savings to environmental advantages.
The activation took place at a bustling intersection in Tshwane, strategically chosen to engage motorists caught in morning traffic.
As cars crawled on by, representatives from the Gautrain and A Re Yeng emphasised that using public transport is not only more efficient but also a safer and greener choice for daily commuting.
Tshepo Kgobe, CEO of the Gautrain Management Agency, talked about the importance of public transit in reducing commuters’ travel time and driver stress, high fuel consumption, air and noise pollution, which negatively impact the environment.
According to Kgobe, a 2018 economic study commissioned by the agency revealed that a single trip on the Gautrain can save an average of 2.8 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) per passenger compared to driving a private car.
For commuters who travel between Johannesburg and Tshwane five days in a week, this also translates into saving approximately seven hours and R1,300 monthly in petrol and 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.
The environmental benefits of public transport were echoed by Brenden Govender, chairperson of the Oversight Committee, who said, “By choosing public transport, we save money and contribute to making Tshwane a cleaner, more sustainable city.”
He also praised the growing acceptance of public transport among Tshwane residents, emphasising that it is “an affordable, safe, and eco-friendly alternative”.
In Johannesburg, the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system is a representation of the city’s efforts in tackling traffic woes and pollution head-on, according to Benny Makgoga, the Acting Executive Director for Transport in the City of Joburg.
He pointed out that the Rea Vaya Phase 1A and B system reduces carbon emissions by a significant 40 000 tons of CO2 equivalents a year.
“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,” added Makgoga.
Another activation is scheduled for October 25 in Johannesburg.