“Eco-mobility”, this year’s Transport Month theme, emphasises the use of public and non-motorised transport.
October is Transport Month, and the City of Johannesburg is running an extensive programme to encourage locals to cut down on their use of private cars – and so help reduce air pollution.
The theme selected for this year’s Transport Month is “Towards Eco-mobility”.
Eco-mobility places an emphasis on public and non-motorised transport. With this as a priority, it would impact on urban transport planning – a key aspect of the City’s Growth and Development Strategy, Joburg 2040, which aims to create a sustainable, resilient and liveable city.
The City’s Corridors of Freedom developments, through the construction of Rea Vaya bus rapid transit routes, focuses on the concept of eco-mobility; encouraging the use of public transport and the creation of economic hubs within easy reach of where people live.
The City has a number of plans for Transport Month:
- A kasi to kasi adventure, with teams following clues throughout the city and trying to get from place to place using public transport only;
- The hosting of a Women in Transport and Construction seminar on 21 October;
- The official launch of dedicated cycle lanes and walkways in Orlando, Soweto on 23 October;
- A wide range of entertainment at Mabongeng from 24 to 26 October, including art exhibitions, music performances and a mass cycle ride. Streets will be closed and visitors encouraged to use public transport to get to Maboneng; and
- The running of a safety awareness campaign in partnership with the taxi industry at Baragwanath Taxi Rank on 29 October.
This year’s Transport Month will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2015 Eco-mobility Festival that the City hopes to hold to encourage public transport and a car-free environment.