Motorists urged to shift from private vehicles to public transport
Tshwane residents are urged to use public transport such as A Re Yeng, Tshwane Bus Service and Gautrain to save money and travel time.
Motorists have been encouraged to use public transport as it is generally a more efficient, convenient, cost-effective, reliable and safer mode of transport.
So said Gautrain spokesperson Albi Modise, during an awareness campaign to mark Transport Month.
Gautrain in partnership with A Re Yeng bus service held the awareness campaign on the corner of Lynnwood Road and Roper Street on October 11.
Modise said the negative effects of traffic congestion include increased travel time and driver stress, high fuel consumption, air and noise pollution, and the economic decline of cities.
“Whereas public transport systems do not only ferry a large number of passengers quickly and reliably but also provide a cleaner, greener mode of transport that helps to reduce road congestion, harmful carbon dioxide emissions and noise pollution.”
According to Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe an independent economic impact study the agency commissioned in 2018 revealed that a single trip on the Gautrain saves on average 2.8kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per passenger compared to by private car.
He said the study further revealed that every month Gautrain commuters between Johannesburg and Tshwane will save roughly seven hours and around R1 300 per month on petrol and car maintenance costs.
“As the Gautrain, we remain committed to offering a world-class sustainable transport system, and working closely with the likes of A Re Yeng and Rea Vaya, to ensure a more integrated public transport network in the province,” said Kgobe.
Speaking at the event the chairperson of the oversight committee Brenden Govender emphasised that by choosing public transport, people save money and contribute to making Tshwane a cleaner, more sustainable city.
Pheko Letlonkane, group head for Road and Transport, urged private vehicle users to consider switching to public transport, emphasising that doing so will save time and money and help reduce Tshwane’s carbon footprint.
“Public transport offers an affordable, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to daily travel, and we are proud to see Tshwane residents embrace this shift.”
He pleaded with people to join in making Tshwane a greener, safer and more connected city by choosing A Re Yeng.
Letlonkane encouraged commuters to continue supporting public transport and to inspire others to do the same, reminding them that they are part of a movement shaping a more sustainable future for Tshwane.
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