Enhancing public transport research through improved data quality and accessibility:a case study in Johannesburg

Abstract

Public transport is used by the majority of the South African population to commute between home, school, other amenities and their place of work. There is, however, a severe deficiency in the quality of public transport data in South Africa. The absence of a standardised public transport data system is detrimental to researchers and commuters who make use of this data. This paper examines the adverse effects of inadequate public transport data on research, public transport planning and urban planning. It highlights the challenges resulting from inadequate public transport data and its detrimental effects on decision-making. Furthermore, the paper highlights the myriad of benefits that standardised, and easily accessible transport data can bring. The paper’s goal is to demonstrate the critical need for enhanced public transport data in research and planning and discuss potential solutions for improving data availability. This will pave the way for a more informed and efficient approach to transportation policy and practice.