Achieving a pro-public transport agenda in South Africa — the challenge for middle income countries

Abstract

In this paper the constraints to the delivery of improved urban public transport in South Africa (SA) are explored. Improving and integrating public transport systems within middle-income countries such as SA is often difficult. (Middle income countries have income ranging between $745 and $9,360 per capita (World Bank, 2004). Cities in such countries are fast growing, have high levels of car ownership, often have relatively developed public transport systems with a mix of informal and formal operators.) Operators are challenged by a shift in the status quo. The intensity of growth in traffic and private car usage makes congestion a growing constraint to the free flow of public transport vehicles. Government has limited funding for infrastructure improvements and often exerts limited day-to-day control over what occurs within the public transport system. Recent shifts in policy in SA have focused on a new vision for public transport, yet little if any change is discernable on the ground. The paper also explores some of the reasons why SA has struggled in implementing this new vision. The paper concludes by drawing certain lessons from other middle income countries that may have application both in SA and elsewhere.