Integration of Information and Communication Technologies for Sustainable Road Traffic Movement in Mthatha

Abstract

Road transportation plays a crucial role in providing access for people for various socio-economic activities, such as business, education, employment, recreation, health care etc., especially in the cities. However, with the growth of population, socio-economic activities and consequent urban functions, as well as enhancement of vehicular travel created sustainable mobility challenges in the cities. The scenario of such challenges in the cities of South Africa are observed to be serious. In this context, arguments have emerged that significant use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in socio-economic and travel activities can contribute significantly to alleviate the road transportation and traffic related challenges and contribute to sustainable road transportation. Therefore, the study examined how ICT can positively influence the road transportation system and engender sustainable road traffic movement systems in the cities of South Africa. The study was conducted by using the town of Mthatha, of South Africa as a case study. The study relied on the data collected from both primary sources such as road user survey, and transportation parameter survey by using systematic and stratified random sampling process and secondary sources such as published and unpublished statistical data from reliable sources. Quantitative statistical analyses and empirical analyses were conducted to examine the status of the sustainable transportation variables that includes factors influencing mobility, use of ICT, congestion, travel time delay and speed changes among others. Findings with respect to ICT integration, and its effective use will help reduce the urgency for travel, reduce traffic volume, and enable appropriate route planning, which will help to reduce traffic congestion, travel distance and travel time in the town.