The association between transport network length and economic activity:a case study of Cape Town

Abstract

Public transport is the main mode of transport in South Africa. Yet, the availability of it, or lack thereof, is the main transport-related problem for South Africans (Statistics South Africa, 2021). Adding to inadequate public transport is its insufficient network length. An overwhelming amount of research has studied the association between road network length and economic output at a national level. This study fills a knowledge gap by researching the association between economic activity and various types of network lengths, including public transport, at a city level. The results show a moderate to strong positive association in Cape Town depending on the transport network type. The results infer that more economic activity is associated with a kilometre of formal public transport compared to informal public transport. It also provides economic justification for expanding transport networks in certain regions within the metro. This includes the expansion of the MyCiTi service to the Southern and Cape Flats regions of Cape Town via its anticipated Phase 2A service. The results can inform budgetary decision-making and funding allocation through planning and policy documents.