The Western Cape Mobility Department has announced a series of interventions to ease congestion in Cape Town, which was ranked the ninth most congested city in the world in the 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard.
With 60% of passenger vehicles during peak hours being single-occupancy, congestion is increasingly affecting livelihoods, businesses, and the environment.
MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku said the solution lies in the coexistence of multiple public transport modes.
“Congestion is not only an inconvenience, but it also has a very real impact on livelihoods, businesses, and the environment. Our focus must be on expanding and improving public transport so that it becomes the preferred choice for commuting. Enable non-motorized transport, safeguard pedestrians and cyclists, and increase convenience to keep goods and people moving safely and efficiently across the Western Cape,” Sileku said.
Transport planner Ahmed Mulla highlighted that addressing congestion requires a multi-pronged approach.
“It’s not just one silver bullet that solves it all. Infrastructure measures, demand management, and, most importantly, robust public transport are key. For me, the backbone is ensuring good public transport. We need to get the rails back online; they’ve collapsed over the years, and this must be part of the recovery process,” Mulla said.
Listen to the full interviews with MEC Isaac Sileku and Ahmed Mulla below:
VOC News
Photo: Supplied
