Proposal Ideas

South Africa

A primary driver of the rate of growth of the transport system is economic (GDP) growth. In the case of freight transport, the direct correlation between increases in freight fuel demand and GDP growth are well observed.

For surface passenger travel, GDP growth implies increased commuting needs and personal wealth, often both in terms of number of wealthier people and expendable incomes. This results in more money being available for motorcar purchasing and leisure activities, which in turn increases the demand for transport and transport fuel.

Transport is often overlooked in the debate around urban sustainability in South Africa and poor transport systems impact on social welfare through high accident rates, loss of time through travelling and difficult access to support systems such as hospitals and clinics.