42nd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 2024

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/99215

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Tales from three construction sites: A qualitative investigation into work zone safety
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Mokgatle, K.; Nemauluma, L.; Van Gruting, W.A.; Juba, A.; Masombuka, B.; Lowe, J.; Sampson, J.; Menon, A.; Ben-Edigbe, J.; De Beer, E.; Venter, K.
Roads form the backbone of the South African economy, and the provision of adequate road infrastructure is key to facilitate socio-economic change. Many of South Africa’s roads are facing increasing growth in traffic volumes, congestion, and the infrastructure is aging. Construction works are needed to add capacity as well as to maintain existing infrastructure. The construction work has an impact on the safety of the travelling public as well as on workers on site, who are exposed to traffic constantly. Typically, roadwork zones are well- defined areas, but they are dynamic, and roadworks contracts necessitate constant change, which impacts on the segments under construction, making safe operation an ongoing effort. This paper explores work zone safety by making use of qualitative observations from three existing work zones on the national road network. The sites were largely rural, and safety concerns related to traffic accommodation were identified. The use of signage to safely redirect traffic, safety considerations in terms of personnel and equipment on site as well as public driving behaviour are key elements in ensuring safe work zone areas. In line with the Safe System Approach, the process of designing and building safer roads and roadsides needs to be managed to minimise risk to both road workers and the travelling public.
Enhancing safe mobility using inclusive intelligent infrastructure management system
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Abejide, S.; Adedeji, J.A.
In the dynamic realm of urbanization, smart city development, particularly in relation to transportation infrastructure, is gaining momentum. This study addresses a gap in the current strategies by emphasizing effective management over mere expansion. Managing infrastructure systems is essential given the increasing trend of tech-driven transportation and the vehicle-to-capacity ratio. To maximize the current infrastructure in East London, South Africa, the Inclusive Intelligent Infrastructure Management System (IIIMS) is the suggested solution. For more sophisticated transportation system design, the project combines data-driven approaches with intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Demand management, predictive maintenance, route optimization, and real-time data collection are important components of this approach. By offering information on traffic patterns, hotspots for congestion, and possible conflicts, these initiatives support well-informed decision-making for capacity expansion. Focusing on Oxford Street, a congested area in East London, this research employs the smart city wheel and the 15-minute smart city concept. The IIIMS loop incorporates adaptive hypotheses for safe mobility principles in a specific spatial and temporal context. By examining the elements of an inclusive intelligent transportation system, this study considers telematic technologies, data-driven traffic management, and safe mobility principles. Hypotheses related to private vehicle access, worker safety, citizen well-being, and urbanized infrastructure management are discussed, offering solutions for safe mobility. The proposed framework includes an operational level- of-service (LOS) lane change modification for Oxford Street, promoting flow and reducing congestion. Recommendations should focus on competitive measures for delay-time management, congestion patterns, and hotspot identification, contributing to smart city discourse and emphasizing inclusive intelligent infrastructure management for safe mobility and urban transportation competitiveness.
Implications for transitioning to an alternative fuel bus fleet:A cost and climate impact perspective
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Steenkamp, M.; Mtizi, C.M.R.
Since the inception of the Paris Agreement in 2015, commitments to a more sustainable long-term climate change outcome have taken traction in both the public and private sector. This can be seen in changes in international norms and standards, local policy and legislation, adoption of green technologies and utilisation of sustainable sourcing and materials. In the transport sector, these changes have taken the form of efficiency improvements in existing technologies including internal combustion engine vehicles, the introduction of electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, policies incentivising the ownership of electric vehicles, access to financing through climate funds and many others. For public entities responsible for ensuring viable public transport, the question of transitioning to alternative fuels is now a pertinent one. This paper examines the anticipated cost and climate impact associated with the transition to an alternative fuel bus fleet in the South African context. This is done through estimating the total cost of ownership of various bus types and demonstrating the impact on cashflows and budgeting for given scenarios. Moreover, it estimates the reduction in tailpipe emissions associated with diversifying the bus fleet mix, particularly in the context of improved emission of internal combustion engine vehicles. Lastly, it considers the economic context of South Africa, and the balance of committing to decarbonisation strategies, while addressing infrastructure and other needs.
Post-Covid-19 travel patterns:A literature review
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Hirwa, E.M.; Mostafa, M.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the travel patterns of people globally. These changes could be attributed to the travel restrictions imposed by governments worldwide. Studies have shown that these changes persist somewhat in the post-COVID-19 era. Understanding post-COVID-19 travel patterns is essential for various aspects of society, but most importantly, for transport planners to ensure sustainable mobility and positive traffic flow. This paper aims to explore the travel pattern in the post-COVID-19 period in the global south using a comprehensive literature review. Research articles and conference papers from Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus were gathered and selected based on the title. The findings show a major shift in the mode of travel, especially an increase in the use of the private car. The paper will further recommend future research.
Harnessing choice users to use public transport in South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Van Wyk, L.; Onderwater, P.
Many Choice Users (users who have the option to choose between private car and public transport) are quite happy using modern public transport (PT) systems like Gautrain and MyCiti in South Africa, but they seem reluctant using Metrorail, buses, and minibus-taxis. Some of them would consider those ‘traditional’ PT systems, “if only...”. The authors have explored – using a survey amongst Choice Users – what would be some of the minimum requirements / conditions for Choice Users to start considering using PT for some of their trips. Apart from long-term measures as new and faster routes, some improvements can be found by providing an assurance (insofar possible) of safety and security; information on routes, stops, times, and chances of being seated. This is to counter some of the preconceived misperceptions many of the Choice Users have on ‘traditional’ PT. If this information is provided, a first barrier to use PT is gone, and some Choice Users would be willing to give it a try. Operators (PRASA, bus companies, Taxi Associations, etc) and Transport Authorities could start providing this information of their service, to attract more passengers, and come to a slow shift in transport mode use, reduce the reliance on car traffic, and reduce the impact on climate change by transport. In addition, as a very quick win, employers can start giving such information for their staff, supported by staff that consider themselves ‘PT-Ambassadors’.
A fresh perspective on access,accessibility and mobility towards a smart,accessible transpport system:meeting the NLTSF vision and requirements for George's CITP using a dynamic transport model with land use integration
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Ferreira, I.W.; Roux, E.; Retief, L.; Fautley, S.M.; Husselmann, G.; Du Toit, A.; Robb, J.; Vanqa, Z.; Groenewald, L.; Power, D.
In South Africa, municipalities are mandated to develop an Integrated Transportation Plan (ITP) every five years, with yearly updates, as per the National Land Transport Strategic Framework (NLTSF). Notably, the NLTSF vision highlights key aspects of Accessibility and Mobility. To fulfil this requirement, we introduced a novel Smart City framework, focusing on the crucial topics of supporting a thriving economy, promoting sustainable economic growth, providing safe mobility options, providing accessible mobility options, socially including all communities, and preserving the environment, which guided the creation of George Local Municipality’s ITP. This ITP features an innovative transport model spanning the George Local Municipality boundaries, distinct from traditional models, by integrating transport and land use down to individual land parcels. The model is dynamic, incorporating floating car data, open-source data, and uses simulation-based trip assignments. While the NLTSF doesn’t mandate such a model, it proved invaluable in forecasting future challenges and informed the development of George's new Roads Master Plan. Designed as a base model, it can be updated with various data sources over time, making it a versatile tool for land-use planning, contributing to George’s Integrated Development Plan and Spatial Development Framework. This model can also facilitate detailed analyses for specific intersections or road segments in relation to potential developments, thereby enhancing its utility for future urban planning.
The importance of upskilling our understanding of urban traveller behaviour
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Hayes, G.P.
Upskilling our ability to quantify urban traveller trip preferences and behaviour and incorporating these findings into urban transport policy development at all levels of government is a key requirement for successful transport project conceptualisation, planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. Transport planners and economists in South Africa have historically had limited insight into the trip making behaviour of urban and inter-urban travellers by means of their stated and / or revealed journey preferences. A consequence has been deficient transport project conceptualisation, design and operations planning for both public transport and roads schemes. The resulting adverse financial implications have been substantial and are enduring. Strategic urban transportation demand models that are used to provide scheme demand and revenue forecasts have developed the unenviable reputation of providing estimates that are far in excess of what has actually materialised, in large part due to inadequate mode and route choice behavioural modelling. The economic appraisals for urban transport projects, when undertaken, have not been transparent, and the provenance of key micro-economic measures such as the work and non-work related values of travel time (VTT) are uncertain. Transportation demand models cannot produce reliable demand forecasts without robust estimates of the value of travel time and cater for its heterogeneity with appropriate traveller market segmentation. Mode choice models themselves require careful design and a high degree of insight into trip making behaviour and user preferences and cannot forecast reliable mode shares without this. Using evidence from transport project case studies and recent research initiatives this paper demonstrates the importance and value for money proposition of upskilling our ability to quantify traveller preferences and incorporate these findings into urban transport policy, project design and operations, and transportation demand models.
A survey of electrical bicylce infrastructure:adaptations and conversion challenges
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Gololo, M.G.D.; Rimer, S.; Longe, O.M.; Tivani, L.
This research paper presents a comprehensive survey of electrical bicycle (e-bike) infrastructure in South Africa, focusing on the adaptations and conversion challenges encountered in its implementation. With the growing global emphasis on sustainable transportation, e-bikes have gained prominence as a viable solution to rural and urban mobility challenges. This study assesses the existing infrastructure landscape in South Africa and evaluates the technical, regulatory, and practical complexities associated with converting traditional bicycles into e-bikes. The paper begins with an in-depth analysis of the current state of road and e-bike infrastructure, shedding light on the specific challenges faced by developing nations, like South Africa, in transitioning towards green transportation. It highlights the constraints imposed by legacy systems and emphasizes the need for targeted financial allocations to support public urban transport initiatives. Furthermore, the study examines South Africa's unique position in the context of international shared e-mobility standards. Factors such as motor integration, battery compatibility, and adherence to evolving e-bike classifications are examined, providing valuable insights for both industry stakeholders and policymakers. In conclusion, this survey offers a comprehensive overview of e-bike infrastructure in South Africa, addressing key adaptations and conversion challenges. The findings of this study serve as a valuable resource for urban planners, policymakers, and industry players aiming to promote sustainable and efficient transportation solutions in the region.
An analysis of shared electric bicycle infrastructure requirements for South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Gololo, M.G.D.; Rimer, S.; Longe, O.M.; Tivani, L.
The possibilities and challenges associated with implementing a shared electric bicycle (e- bike) infrastructure in South Africa are examined in this conference paper. The goal of the study is to pinpoint the specific conditions and factors that must be taken into account for shared e-bike systems to be successfully incorporated into urban transportation systems. The analysis revealed that South Africa's existing bicycle infrastructure is inadequate and requires significant improvements to accommodate shared electric bicycle systems. Key findings include the need for dedicated bicycle lanes, secure parking facilities, charging stations, and integration with existing public transportation networks. Additionally, the study identified the importance of public awareness campaigns and user-friendly mobile applications to promote the adoption and usage of shared electric bicycles. Future work may aim to conduct more comprehensive analyses of the social and cultural determinants that impact the adoption and usage patterns of e-bikes, encompassing views on safety, convenience, and cycling-related social norms. Furthermore, to determine their efficacy, pinpoint areas for development, and guarantee that they satisfy the changing requirements of users and urban environments, continuous monitoring and assessment of installed e- bike systems will be necessary.
An analysis of microscale segregation and socio-economic sorting in Gauteng
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Hamann, C.
Apartheid was the way in which the white minority government in South Africa controlled access to urban opportunities. Racially differentiated access to urban opportunities led to a strong association between race and socio-economic status. Once statutory segregation regulations were removed in 1991, an important question in urban planning was to what extent, and at what scale, racial desegregation would reshape the post-apartheid urban landscape. This research on the microscale patterns of segregation and socio-economic sorting in Gauteng includes three points of inquiry. The first considers the relationship between racial diversity and residential expansion, and shows that residential expansion tends to reproduce the racial composition of the areas from which they expanded. The second inquiry analyses the extent to which racial mixing contributes to class mixing and income equality in desegregated neighbourhoods to reveal that racially-inflected income inequality remains discernible even in the context of racial desegregation. In racially mixed wards, the mean household income difference between white and black African residents remains significant. The third inquiry is concerned with patterns of microscale socio-economic sorting in desegregated neighbourhoods, and shows how the affordability of housing and the social character of neighbourhoods influence segregation and socio-economic sorting. Together, the three inquiries highlight continued segregation in some suburbs, and nuances in the nature of desegregation in others. Although significant racial desegregation has taken place in former whites-only neighbourhoods, the association between space and class in Gauteng has not changed significantly since apartheid ended, and spatial transformation is slow. However, public housing programmes and inclusionary housing policies hold significant potential for desegregation at multiple scales. Residential expansion, whether by the public or private sectors, should be strategically driven with diversified housing at different affordability levels, while neighbourhood-level developments should foster socio-economic inclusion.
A web of factors and dependencies to consider in the electrification of South Africa's minibus taxi industry
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Jahura, A.; Vanderschuren, M.J.W.A; Booysen, M.J.
South Africa’s minibus taxis operate fundamentally differently to formalised and structured public transport. The informal, demand-driven industry has grown into the constraints of passenger demand, accessibility, and affordability of the lower-income group it tends to serve, and it has become the main mode of transport for millions of South Africans. The slow adoption of electric vehicles into South Africa's automotive industry presents environmental and economic concerns. The transport industry emits high amounts of carbon, and the automotive industry is completely reliant on producing internal combustion engine vehicles which will eventually be phased out by the country's biggest international customers. Efforts towards electrification must prioritise minibus taxis due to their importance to local paratransit. However, this is a complex endeavour. Electrification will inevitably introduce many challenges through a complex web of factors and dependencies, ranging from mobility and charging operations to environmental impacts and vehicle characteristics. This paper identifies and analyses these factors and dependencies and describes some of the key considerations required to ensure a successful paratransit transition to electric mobility. The paper concludes that although the complexity of economic, environmental, and energy-based aspects is unpacked, there are additional factors such as road safety and other social considerations that are required for more holistic electric mobility planning. All these factors must be considered as parts of a larger ecosystem of electrification instead of as individual problems.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in road transport towards the the "EV Age"
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Yang, C.
Since the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the production, consumption, and energy utilization of humans have been excessively dependent on fossil fuels. The development and utilization of fossil energy result in the generation of a substantial quantity of greenhouse gases, which leads to significant ecological damage. In various industries, road transport has become a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions due to its excessive use of fossil fuels. Given the escalating global climate degradation and growing concerns over energy security, nations have prioritized low-carbon transportation as a pivotal strategy to address climate deterioration and achieve sustainable development. As the key to the development of low-carbon transportation, new energy vehicles have the advantages of low emissions, high efficiency and low noise, which can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. This essay discusses the status, existing problems and shortcomings of traditional fuel vehicles under the new global sustainable development strategy, and explains the advantages and disadvantages of new energy vehicles, especially electrical vehicles (EV) under the current situation by comparative methods. Finally, combined with the current development status of new energy vehicles in China and foreign countries, the future development trend of new energy vehicles and traditional fuel vehicles is analyzed. Based on the theme of the conference, this essay draws a reasonable conclusion that new energy vehicles can significantly impact the upskilling and reskilling of the transportation industry in the coming period, and can improve transportation efficiency, ensure transportation quality, solve the current greenhouse gas emissions problem.
Cultivating high-quality talent is the answer to facing the future challenges of the transportation industry
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Nie, Q.
This article, set against the backdrop of Chinese bridge construction, explores how education and training of high-quality talent can enhance the transportation industry's ability to confront future challenges. Firstly, it analyses the challenges faced by Chinese bridges, including the scarcity of high-quality talent, the integration of computer technology with bridge construction, and intelligent construction and smart detection. Secondly, in light of the current highly integrated landscape of artificial intelligence and bridge construction, three strategies for cultivating high-quality talent and methods for social education and popularization are proposed. Finally, through successful case studies, the importance of talent development and education is demonstrated, along with suggestions for collectively addressing future challenges in the transportation industry.
Understanding travel behaviour in Cape Town through investigating the application of alternative data sources
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Coestee, M.; Pretorius, L.
The City of Cape Town previously developed and continuously updates a transport model to predict future demand on the transport system in Cape Town and to inform long-term decision-making about the road and public transport network. As part of maintaining and updating the transport model, the City of Cape Town must collect transport data on travel behaviour regularly. In the past, undertaking household travel surveys was an important source of information on people's travel behaviour in Cape Town. In an environment where people are hesitant to participate in surveys due to health risks associated with the Covid 19 pandemic and security concerns, an alternative approach to collecting the required information was investigated. With advancements in technology, data sources have become available that have traditionally not been used in understanding people's travel behaviour in Cape Town. This offered an alternative approach to collecting travel behaviour information, but the limitations of the available data source had to be investigated, understood, and tested before it could be used to provide information on travel behaviour. This paper aims to report on the investigation into the use of the various data sources available to the City of Cape Town, its application in collecting travel behaviour information, and its limitations. The data sources investigated include on-board vehicle surveys (bus and minibus taxis), ticket information, personal transport interviews, probe data and cell phone data.
Upskilling and reskilling the transport industry for current and future challenges
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Mafukidze, T.
In the intricate tapestry of South Africa's transport industry, the imperative for upskilling and reskilling emerges as a beacon of progress amidst myriad challenges (Brown et al., 2020). This essay navigates the dynamic landscape of workforce development, advocating for innovative approaches tailored to the unique context of South Africa. Grounded in civil engineering principles, the exploration underscores the transformative potential of skill enhancement to address the industry's evolving needs (Gupta & Patel, 2021). Through a synthesis of theoretical insights and practical strategies, this essay illuminate’s pathways towards a skilled and resilient transport workforce, poised to navigate the complexities of technological evolution and sustainability imperatives. The main conclusions are the necessity for a continuous skill development framework aligned with technological advancements and sustainability. Investing in upskilling and reskilling will boost the transport sector’s efficiency and resilience, promoting economic growth and social equity in South Africa.
Leveraging GIS technologies to improve passenger safety along minibus taxi transit facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Angurini, M.
Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies are useful tools that can be leveraged by public transport operators and planners for improving public transport safety. Although having made a significant input on bus-based public transport systems, GIS has recently been adopted for improving informal minibus taxi services. GIS has been applied in modelling minibus taxi movement patterns and mapping vehicle safety. Little research exists on auto-passenger collisions in public transport (Wang and Cicchino, 2020) such as minibus taxis services. By leveraging the capabilities of GIS such as geocoding capabilities, Geographic Positioning System (GPS) data collection methods and Google Earth navigation tools passenger safety can be addressed by understanding the patterns such as auto-passenger collisions. In this essay, a methodology has been suggested for use in determining auto-passenger collisions at minibus taxi facilities and routes. Possible expected indicator includes auto-passenger collision frequency. The proposed method in this paper was amended from an existing methodology for hazardous bus stops identification developed by Pulugurtha and Vanapalli (2008). The amendment was done based on how an available GPS data for minibus taxis collected from Rustenburg Local Municipality can be used.
Sustainable planning approaches to dealing with negative externalities of transport corridor developments
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Sihlangu, L.
Transport corridor developments have emerged in recent years as one of the magic bullets that can improve efficiency in the transport and logistics processes along majors and that can foster sustainable economic developments in the corridor regions of many developing countries. Despite the obvious gains in the logistic processes and on the economic development front, such a best practice corridor development scenario has also come with negative externalities that equally threaten the sustainability of positive impacts it has brought. Poorly planned corridor developments are a characteristic of most developing countries that has been associated with what this essay calls negative externalities. This essay analyses a host of negative externalities common to most transportation corridor development initiatives in developing countries that require urgent attention through sustainable planning interventions. It further outlines the nature of sustainable planning approaches that are required to ensure sustained positive development outcomes along transport corridors. Empirical evidence to support the discussion points shared in this essay have been solicited from critical review of literature on transport corridor development planning, sustainable transportation, responsive urban development and planning, environmental planning, and sustainable urban planning.
Upskilling and reskilling the transport industry for current and future challenges
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Nyombi, S.S.
Most low- and middle-income countries do not have sufficient systems for gathering and analysing data of traffic crashes. This shortfall hampers their ability to monitor, advocate for, oversee, and enhance road safety effectively. In most African countries crash data is still in physical paper forms at police records, but digitising it would make it more accessible to carry out necessary activities and implementations towards the Road Safety Vision. Digitisation of road safety data, when carried out in a controlled pattern, would help bring all countries in Africa and the globe at large to a similar platform to comply with the same standards and assessment procedures to achieve the road safety goal as stated by the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6. Hence, implementing the digital technologies described in this essay in conjunction with equipping personnel who manage road safety data with the requisite expertise to operate them at the various stages from collection at the crash scene to the end users is crucial in bringing the Road Safety Vision of halving the global road fatalities every succeeding decade to a reality.
Sustainable transportation in South Africa:addressing societal needs,energy and climate changes
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Mangwaya, S.
The transportation sector plays a significant role in climate change as it is often associated with CO2 emissions from vehicles and during energy production of fuels. The effects of climate change are negatively impacting diverse groups of people around the world and in South Africa which affects the societal needs of communities. Through desktop analysis, this essay aims to explore how sustainable transportation planning in South Africa can contribute to addressing societal needs considering current and future energy and climate change. This essay looks into the transportation sector in South Africa and how current energy changes are implicating societal needs of diverse groups and how future energy changes will contributes towards building sustainable transportation planning in South Africa. The key lessons from other countries identified in this essay includes congestion tax, shift to natural gas and the introduction of electric vehicles. This essay concludes that the success of sustainable transportation planning in South Africa is possible, however it needs to be backed up with strict policies and public education on the importance of sustainable transportation planning.
Rethinking the future of minibus
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2024) Muhanguzi, D.
The world is currently grappling with congestion problems that have rendered cities unlivable. Improvement in public transport has been one of the most sought-after solutions with implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems being one of the key strategies. Previous studies have demonstrated that Mini-Bus Taxis (MBTs) could be part of the solution to improved public transport as they won’t be eliminated overnight. Transportation officials and authorities in South Africa have rethought the future of MBTs and come up with initiatives to improve the quality of MBT service. This essay presents the Blue Dot Program in Western Cape; Moja Cruise in eThekwini and the MBT contracting model in Rustenburg Local Municipality as some of the initiatives taken in South Africa. The approaches taken focus on improving safety, security, availability and reliability of MBTs as a mode of transport.

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