Though South African public transport has historically been underfunded and infrastructure under-maintained, the democratic government has learned valuable lessons that can guide future planning and investment, City of Cape Town (CoCT) executive director for urban mobility Dalene Campbell notes.

During an event on public transport in South Africa, hosted by the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies – Africa, on October 16, Campbell provided an overview of the South African public transport sector since the dawn of democracy in 1994, with a specific focus on initiatives undertaken by the CoCT.

Campbell discussed the current state of commuter rail in Cape Town, noting that, during the Covid-19 pandemic, informal settlements had been erected along railway lines, creating challenges for State-owned Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

She noted that the CoCT was working closely with PRASA to “bring back the rail system,” and restore the central line in the city by mid-2025.

Campbell also discussed the decline of conventional bus services, the importance of working with the minibus taxi sector, and the rise of e-hailing services and non-motorised transport.

She noted that bus rapid transport, minibus taxis, and conventional busses were being integrated into the CoCT’s integrated public transport network (IPTN) plan.

Campbell added that physical and spatial mobility, as well as future mobility requirements, had been considered in the IPTN plan.

“It is important to leverage public transport planning and implementation, as well as operations as a catalyst for positive economic development and sustainable outcomes.”

Campbell thus expressed that, moving beyond 2040, necessary public transport conditions include resilience, keeping up with the latest technology, appropriate financial planning and preparation, as well as solutions that are contextually appropriate.

Meanwhile, UJ Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management head, Professor Noleen Pisa stressed the importance of research in addressing economic and public transport system challenges.

“Over and above the research, the international experience and the local successes are the keys that are going to unlock the potential of our public transport systems,” she said.