Mitigating traffic congestion in South African cities : a case study of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) infrastructure in Bloemfontein

Abstract

As urbanisation increases, traffic congestion in South African cities poses significant challenges, impacting economic growth, social relations, and environmental health. Bloemfontein, a mid-sized city in the Free State province, faces congestion primarily due to single-occupancy vehicles commuting to the central business district (CBD). This study investigates the potential of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging ridesharing. Data was collected through traffic surveys and driver questionnaires, focusing on vehicle occupancy, traffic flow, and congestion hotspots. Key intersections entering the CBD were monitored during peak hours to assess traffic volumes and commuter behaviour. Findings indicate that congestion is primarily caused by private vehicles with single occupants, and most respondents expressed openness to ridesharing and HOV lanes. Simulated traffic reduction scenarios suggest that increasing vehicle occupancy, incentivised by HOV infrastructure, could significantly alleviate congestion. Mathematical modelling was applied to simulate traffic reduction scenarios, providing insights into the potential impact of increased vehicle occupancy on alleviating congestion. The study recommends introducing HOV driver incentives and HOV lanes on key arterial routes, particularly during peak travel hours, as a viable solution to reducing traffic congestion in South African cities.