Three big ways transport has improved in South Africa
Getting around a city is one of the more difficult parts of being in one. Most of us would rather not spend hours or money on travelling.
Also no one wants to be stuck in traffic after a long day. But, thankfully, all is not lost.
Various services are improving and it could mean Capetonians and other city-dwellers now move more easily.
Uber
The internationally-renowned taxi app Uber is so simple anyone can use it. You “e-hail” a cab to your preferred location instantly, with a tap of a button on your phone. Payment comes from simply linking your credit card to the app. Unlike traditional taxi services, customers can expect cleaner, safer vehicles. These are cars that have been in roadworthy testing centres.
We use Uber for a variety of reasons. Some, particularly in suburban areas in Cape Town and Pretoria, fetch their kids if they’re unable to reach the school in time. Others use it to avoid the nightmare of parking in busy, overcrowded party areas. Even those with cars use Uber, since it’s safer and easier than worrying about your own vehicle or ability to drive.
Gautrain
One of the most notoriously congested areas in South Africa is between Johannesburg and Pretoria. To alleviate some of that congestion, the mass rapid transit railway, Gautrain, was built. It goes between Johannesburg Park Station, O. R. Tambo International Airport and Pretoria Station.
These are key areas for many entering and working in the country. Considering Johannesburg is the economic hub of the country, it’s ideal for business people to have this kind of freedom of movement.
The system is praised for being very modern, always immaculate and able to transport passengers directly into the airport. This means less travelling on foot to respective terminals. It leaves a very good impression with tourists, meaning they’ll want to come back and inject some of that foreign money into our economy.
MyCiti Bus
While Gauteng has its trains, Cape Town benefits from the more malleable MyCiti Bus service. Using advanced tech, you don’t need to worry about having the exact change — unlike traditional bus services. With MyCiti, you simply need credit on a special card, which you scan at the beginning and end of your journey. Funds are calculated and deducted without you worrying.
Of course, you should still make sure you have credit before stepping on! MyCiti is clean, spacious, easy-to-use and runs late into the night. It offers a variety of destinations, travelling far into and out of the main city. It’s ideal for anyone and everyone, from citizens to tourists.