Public urged to use public transport during WC

By Ofentse Mokae
19 June 2010

The national transport ministry has urged South Africans to make use of public transport.

The ministry says this will ensure that congestion on the country’s roads, during the World Cup, is minimised.

Minister Sbu Ndebele says the use of public transport during the soccer tournament will significantly reduce congestion on the roads and assist fans to arrive in good time for game.

Ndebele says government has invested R40 billion in a new and improved safe and reliable transport system.

He said that every stadium was accessible via public transport.

“Using public transport in South Africa provides an ideal opportunity for fans to form and cement common experiences across borders in Africa and the rest of the world. So we say to South Africans, get out of your nice cars, use public transport,” said Ndebele.

Soccer fans who have World Cup tickets can travel free with Metrorail to and from stations in the vicinities of the stadium.

An inter-provincial and regional road transport system which comprises luxury buses and mini-buses has been put in place for the month long tournament.