This Transport Month aims to showcase transport not just as a service, but as an enabler of economic growth and social development.

This includes highlighting how infrastructure investment can create jobs and address poverty with the improvement of South Africa’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT), which aims to promote public transport usage by highlighting key infrastructure developments and road safety initiatives. 

Key Focus Areas for Transport Month 2025 

The objectives of this Transport Month campaign are centered on safety, development, and integration within our public transportation systems, with a distinct emphasis on creating a more connected and efficient transportation system to combat the growing issues of traffic congestion, particularly in major metropolitan areas. 

Integration: This year’s motive and key message is the necessity of an integrated model of public transport, from PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) to the taxi industry, which combines around 75% of South African commuters daily.

Modal Shifts: Initiatives focus on expanding and improving public transport so it becomes the preferred choice over private vehicles, which can be seen as crucial for reclaiming lost hours and unlocking economic growth.

Western Cape’s Mobility Month: This October, the Western Cape has introduced its very own ‘Mobility Month’. The key objectives are to ease traffic congestion through the expansion of its MyCiTi BRT and revitalization of its PRASA services. 

Current status of South Africa’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems

While established BRT systems like Cape Town’s MyCiTi and Tshwane’s A Re Yeng are operational, infrastructure and improved construction BRT systems are underway in several other municipalities, including: 

In George (Western Cape), the test phase of its Integrated Public Transport Network has been launched. The construction of the BRT infrastructure in Polokwane (Limpopo) has begun.

In Rustenburg (North West), the Rustenburg Rapid Transport system, one of the officially listed BRT systems, has commenced.

And in other Metros, infrastructure construction is also in progress in areas such as Ekurhuleni, Ethekwini, Mbombela, and Msunduzi. 

Persistent challenges, however, have been faced despite infrastructure progress with BRT systems continuing to face significant financial and operational hurdles that are the subject of discussion this Transport Month. Such challenges include low ridership, cost recovery, and inadequate integration with the taxi industry.

The major challenge here is the need for better integration between the formal Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the dominant minibus taxi industry; facing this challenge would ensure a truly integrated network of transport. However, lack of trust and a feeling of exclusion from policymaking among taxi operators remain a key barrier to adequate operation and integration. 

Alongside advancing projects that support the national economy, the conversation is elevated beyond infrastructure to issues of equity, dignity, and accessibility for all commuters.

As October is Transport Month in South Africa, the focus this month remains firmly on advancing South Africa’s Integrated Public Transport Networks, which include the roll-out and improvement of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems across the country. 

IOL

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