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.

This raised concerns regarding sustainability of many public transport operators who found it difficulty in paying financiers for their vehicles and in some cases having to return their vehicles. There was a threat of reduction of services which affects the mobility for many of the poor and disadvantaged who have few alternatives, thereby limiting their access to new opportunities and risking higher unemployment amongst the poor communities. Hundreds of minibus operators have defied government’s directives as they were facing a severe struggle for survival and the operating restrictions were subsequently relaxed.

As the country emerges from the hard lockdown, reduced ridership, and demand for public transport due to work-at-home practices as well as the economic decline implies the struggle continues for public transport operators. Recent studies indicate that there is approximately 30% decline in demand for public transport hence this scenario must be considered in any public transport planning process.

Public transport and transport in general bind the economy and is essential to the functioning of the economy and bears the brunt from any changes in economic activity. The economic decline implies reduction in income and associated tax collection by government meaning lesser funding for public transport projects with an associated delay in expansion of public transport. The survival of public transport needs a focus on ways to growth the industry, whilst also ensuring safe mobility during Covid-19 and the effect going forward.