Cities in developing countries like Kenya and South Africa have relatively low car ownership rates compared to the developed world. The growing economies of the cities of the South will, however, translate into increased incomes and increased car ownership rates. In parallel to this the populations of these cities are also growing. These forces will prompt the development of space economies and transport infrastructure that is suited to the motor car.
Behind this trend is the reality of declining global fuel resources and therefore increasing cost. This will reduce the number of persons and households that can afford to use a car to meet needs. This will have a significant impact on the economies of cities and the well being of their population; more especially on those that have been structured to suit private motorised transport.; and even more so on those that are more poor.
The aim of this research is to estimate the effects (both positive and negative) that would result from restricted private and public motorised travel on employees and employers; the effect of informality in cities of the South on these estimates; and the factors that could be used to induce private property developers to locate developments to support a “pro-poor less-motorised travel” scenario as opposed to their current location choice practices. The findings of this research will provide direction for other ACET projects in their selection of public transport strategies and travel demand management interventions.
Project leader: A/Prof Romano Del Mistro
Centre for Transport Studies, University of Cape Town
