The occasion marked part of the annual Transport Month commemoration and sought to promote the use of public transport to raise awareness of the role of public transport in growing the economy and highlighting challenges in transforming public transport.
Ekurhuleni is set to launch a Bus Rapid Transport System in order to make the use of public transport within the region more user-friendly, convenient and cost-effective.
On their arrival at the Germiston Railway Station, Gungubele admitted that work to introduce the Integrated Rapid Transport System must be fast tracked, stating that the fact that only seven per cent of commuters use trains, regardless of their cost-effectiveness, shows that the current public transport system is not responding to the needs of the people.
“It is crucial that we create an Integrated Public Transport System, working with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and other stakeholders, so as to provide our commuters with seamless means of public transport,” he said.
Members of the Mayoral Committee who observed the Car Free Day included Clr Phelisa Nkunjana, Clr Bennett Nikani, Clr Mthuthuzeli Siboza, Clr Zeni Tshongweni and Clr Thumbu Mahlangu.
The mayor and his committee then cycled to their offices at the Germiston Civic Centre.
