Residents of Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, are grappling with escalating commuting costs driven by factors such as rising fuel prices, a weaker rand, and an unreliable public transport system. A recent survey conducted by the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) underscores the financial strain on residents, revealing significant changes in spending patterns over the past six years.
Soaring Commuting Costs
The GCRO’s 2023/24 Quality of Life Index survey (QoL7), which included 13,795 respondents from all 529 wards in Gauteng, highlighted the growing financial burden of commuting. In 2017, only 12% of residents spent between R1,000 and R2,000 monthly on transport. By 2023, this figure rose to 17%. Similarly, those spending over R2,000 a month increased from 4% to 13% within the same period.
These changes mean nearly one-third of Gauteng’s 16 million residents spent over R1,000 monthly on transport in 2023, a substantial rise even when considering inflation and the overall cost of living.
Gauteng Preferred Modes of Transport
The survey also examined transport preferences, revealing the following trends:
- Minibus Taxis:
- Most popular mode, used by 38% of residents.
- Median monthly spend: R350.
- Decline in use from 45% in 2013/14 to 38% in 2023.
- Private Cars:
- Used by 27% of residents, up from 17% in 2013/14.
- Median monthly spend: R2,000.
- Walking:
- Primary mode for 22% of residents, up from 14% in 2013/14.
- Buses and Trains:
- Used by less than 2% of residents in 2023, down from 7% a decade ago.
The declining reliance on public transport underscores dissatisfaction with the system’s inefficiency and unreliability.
Gauteng E-Hailing Services: A Limited Alternative
While ride-hailing platforms have revolutionised urban transport globally, their adoption in Gauteng remains limited. Two-thirds of respondents reported never using these services, and those who do primarily rely on them as a backup when minibus taxis are unavailable.
Socio-Economic Divide in Transport Choices
Transportation decisions in Gauteng are deeply influenced by socio-economic factors. Higher-income individuals are more likely to use private cars, but even lower-income groups are increasingly opting for this expensive mode of travel.
Conclusion
The findings from the GCRO survey shed light on the growing financial burden of transportation in Gauteng. With limited reliance on public transport and increasing costs for private car users, the need for a more affordable and efficient transport system is clear. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring equitable mobility in the province.
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