Transport
Overview
Johannesburg is a big, sprawling city with a transport system that is not always reliable and does not yet effectively connect to all the key areas of the city. To connect with other parts of the city for work, study, or accessing other amenities, people make use of minibuses and public buses. Public bus networks commonly used by commuters in Johannesburg include the Metro Bus and Rea Vaya (meaning ‘we are going’), both of which have been in operation for over 18 years. Car ownership is uncommon due to the high costs associated with purchasing and maintaining vehicles. Local car dealerships offer both new and used cars for sale.
The affordability of minibus taxis has also decreased in recent years due to a significant rise in price. E-hailing services have become more affordable in recent years. They also offer provision for transport at night when minibus taxis are not operational. Johannesburg has two rail networks: the MetroRail and the Gautrain. MetroRail operates in major urban areas in South Africa and has a larger network across the city, but many of the lines are no longer in use. It also faces challenges of ageing infrastructure compared to the Gautrain, which is newer and fully opened in 2012. The Gautrain connects with Johannesburg’s international airport but is considered an unaffordable option for many South Africans. The nearest station to Makers Valley is Johannesburg Park Station, where the MetroRail and Gautrain routes also meet.
Current situation
In Makers Valley, the streets are generally wide, often featuring pedestrian walkways and trees on either side of the tarmac road. Traffic lights (or 'robots' as they are commonly known) are present at major junctions. Mini-buses are frequently used to transport children to and from school. Many residents operate these transport businesses alongside one or two other ventures, such as running a shop or working another job. There is a strong support network among these independent business owners. They are also among the few public transport options that offer flexible payment plans, including negotiated late payments for customers, particularly parents of schoolchildren.
Safety
Safety is a concern for pedestrians in Makers Valley. Risks are present both day and night, with reports of daytime muggings in quieter areas. Women, in particular, face heightened vulnerability, especially after dark, and often feel uncomfortable walking alone, preferring the presence of a male companion for added security. Load shedding exacerbates these safety concerns, as non-operational streetlights create darker, less secure environments.
While cycling is popular in Makers Valley, the infrastructure is inadequate. Cycle lanes are few, and vehicles frequently block them, disregarding their intended use. Cyclists also face dangers from reckless driving by some minibus taxi drivers and motorists. Competition among various taxi associations further adds to safety issues, with reports of fear, intimidation, aggression, and occasional violence. The privately-owned taxi system lacks government regulation, operates on a cash-only basis, and lacks a reliable reporting mechanism, leaving passengers at risk.
Accessibility
Pavements in Makers Valley are equipped with ramps and drop kerbs, but the surfaces are often uneven, making pedestrian walkways hazardous for individuals with limited mobility, blindness, or deafness, as well as for parents pushing prams. Accessibility challenges are not commonly discussed within the community due to the stigma associated with disability. As a result, those with mobility or accessibility issues often face isolation, sometimes becoming confined to their homes due to the lack of accessible infrastructure.
RELEVANT CASE STUDIES
Take a look at the following case studies for more information and ideas. As you explore this area and the perspectives from the case studies, consider how transport interconnects with other challenges identified by the community.
Stefan Neubig and James Mason from Sonnenglas, an innovative company known for their solar powered lanterns.
Christinah Ngoy, who works at Timbuktu in the Valley—an organization dedicated to providing local youth with a safe learning environment where they can develop skills and receive academic support—discusses the impact of infrastructure on life in Makers Valley.
Desiree Beukes a prominent community leader, discusses her work in helping tackle food insecurity in Makers Valley.
Projects
13 Safe Transportation
In Makers Valley, many residents walk or cycle not only for transportation but also for the associated health benefits. Given this, what measures can be introduced to make these activities safer for the community? Can you propose any ideas to improve general road and pedestrian safety, and to make pedestrian walkways more inclusive of people with disabilities?
14 Improvement of Public transport
While having fewer cars and taxis on the road contributes positively to air quality, the reliability of public transport options such as trains and buses often leaves much to be desired. Given this challenge, what strategies can be implemented to enhance the reliability of these modes of transport and ensure that residents can depend on them for their daily commutes?
15 Establishing systems for taxis
Regulating an unregulated taxi system presents several challenges, but it is essential for ensuring safety and efficiency. To enhance the user experience, creating systems that provide real-time updates could be a feasible solution. This system should ensure fairness and transparency for passengers while allowing drivers to operate sustainably. What strategies can be explored to implement these ideas effectively and improve the overall taxi system?
