Comprehensive policy recommendations for improving learner mobility in South Africa

Abstract

The modal split in developing countries is substantially weighted toward non-motorised transport, owing to low vehicle ownership rates in both urban and rural areas of several of these countries. In South Africa, walking accounted for 41% of trips in 2020, while cycling accounted for less than 1.5%. These statistics are inflated when looking at the learner population in South Africa. More than 60% of learners walk the entire distance to their respective educational institutions. A disproportionate number of these learners are from low-income households who do not have access to alternative modes. Transport plays a crucial role in ensuring that students can exercise their right to a basic education; therefore, the provision of adequate transport facilities and infrastructure is essential. This study examines the current Learner Transport Policy as a regulatory framework that provides a holistic approach to planning and managing learner transport. It argues that by excluding non-motorized transport solutions, the framework lacks diversity and should be revised to improve learner mobility. This paper also offers recommendations for enhancing learner mobility by taking advantage of the significant proportions of students who commute via non-motorised transport to school. Analyses, of both the National Learner Transport Policy and the factors that influence the process of policy development were carried out to facilitate the formulation of a comprehensive policy recommendation.