Southern African solutions to public transport challenges

Abstract

This essay investigates current challenges faced in the Southern African public transport sector and proposes a possible solution to overcome these challenges. Using South Africa and Zimbabwe as case studies, the essay identified shared challenges experienced in both countries for which a universal solution may be adopted. It was found that these challenges could mostly be attributed to government actions. The essay concludes that there is a need for better integration of social outcomes within public transport policy at the strategic tactical and operational levels in Southern Africa. Furthermore, it suggests that technology-driven solutions can be introduced in the public transport realm, amongst other solutions, that entails a universal cashless payment system coupled with GPS technology.