If you drive to work every day you’re probably one of the thousands of South African commuters who complain about the state of public roads and traffic congestion. Neighbourhood streets, highways, even airports, are being dug up, torn down, rearranged and rebuilt for next year’s Fifa World Cup. It’s all necessary - but a pain to commuters.
So our reporter PIETER VAN ZYL tested the other side - the daily trek by public transport for those who don’t have cars. Ahead of all the improvements is it quicker, easier and cheaper, or just another nightmare?
A train from central Joburg to Soweto? Many advised against it, even a colleague who grew up in Soweto and still lives there. But we did it, reaching the new soccer stadium safely and relatively comfortably, albeit in a crowded carriage.
It cost R9 for the minibus taxi from Sandton to Park Station and R3,50 from there to Soweto on third-class tickets. A minibus taxi back to central Joburg cost R7 (with the pounding gospel music provided free).
As he disembarked in Loveday Street Pieter said he felt “the heartbeat of the country vibrating through my body - many might be saddened if this unique, fast and affordable means of transport were to be overwhelmed by a sterile, well-oiled public transport system”.
In Cape Town he rode a minibus taxi from Sea Point to the CBD (R5) and took the Southern Suburbs commuter train to Fish Hoek (1 hour, R8,50 return in third class). The strong presence of police and security guards at Cape Town Station and in the train carriages put him at ease. The train route flanks the picturesque False Bay coast for much of the way.
Public transport needs the upgrade that’s under way but existing buses, trains and taxis are useful - and quaintly South African.
- Read the full article in the latest issue of YOU.
