Transport Needs Assessment

The municipal transport needs have been identified through engagement with the taxi associations and municipal officials, as well as information obtained during the data collection process. The status quo is informed by a quantitative assessment of available data, as well as of a qualitative assessment of information obtained through discussions with stakeholders. Issues include transport operations (safety, levels of service, etc.), PT infrastructure, non-motorised transport

The Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threats (SWOT) of the municipal transport system were conducted to illustrate the issues / challenges and opportunity for various elements in the system. The opportunities identified help inform the prioritisation of potential future transport projects.

The SWOT analysis was done for:

  • Public Transport

  • Public Transport Infrastructure

  • Non-motorised Transport

  • Private Transport, and

  • Road Network

The main transport issues identified include the following:

  • A lack of internal integration with parallel processes such as the Integrated Development Plan, Local Economic Development plan, Spatial Development Framework etc

  • Inadequate budget for public transport infrastructure and facilities, road maintenance

  • Limited capacity at a local municipal level to fulfil municipal transport planning function.

  • Time constraint for implementation of proposed / planned projects.

There are also a number of transport challenges which are common to the wider district municipality, such as road safety, road freight and public transport infrastructure provision.

Some of the key issues identified during the process is the affordability of public transport services, the lack of formal public transport facilities and safety and security with respect to learner transport.

One of the key aspects of the LITP is the integration with other departments and especially feedback into the development planning process. This is also seen as an opportunity to ensure projects and proposals contained in the LITP also support initiatives from the development planning sector.

The aim of the LITP is to support projects and proposals that will encourage the shift in transport mode from private vehicles to PT vehicles. Although the next few sections address the future demand estimation and also highlight possible projects is should be noted that as part of the need assessment the provision of PT infrastructure as part of any future development should be supported.

The provision of PT infrastructure is aimed at the following:

  • Provision of PT facilities as part of commercial, residential and industrial development is proposed to reduce the need for private transport to and from these development

  • Assist developments with possible reduction in parking provision as contained in the planning process

  • Private vehicle trip reduction as mentioned above will also reduce the immediate need for road network upgrade at huge capital expenditure for the municipality and the developer

Future PT Demand

Public transport is critical to the quality of life in KwaDukuza as it provides a significant proportion of the community with access to employment, education, shops, government services and recreational opportunities. Public transport services consist primarily of buses, minibus-taxis, and very limited commuter rail services. This section of the report focusses on the future PT demand and the impact of Covid-19 on the anticipated demand.

Impact of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected public transport in South Africa and KwaDukuza. Initially, public transport was negatively affected in terms of restrictions on operations and curfews placed by authorities in order to limit transmission of the virus and ensure safe passage of key workers during the emergency response.

The reduction in passenger numbers resulting from movement restrictions, compounded by directives regarding capacity loading and additional costs for sanitizing/hygiene control and social distancing has reduced a large portion of transport operator’s income.