ResearchSpace :: Browsing by Author "Mokonyama, Mathetha T"

Browsing by Author "Mokonyama, Mathetha T"

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Analysis of modal shift in South Africa: A qualitative investigation
(SATC 2013, 2013-07) Venter, Karien; Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Letebele, M; Dube, S; Masondo, N
The qualitative investigation into factors facilitating modal shift formed part of a larger research study that was conducted by the CSIR for the National Department of Transport. The aim of the study was to understand the factors that are most likely to influence modal shift in South Africa. Within the context of this study it was intended to achieve two purposes: a) to understand how to move commuters in South Africa from private transport to public transport and b) providing conditions whereby optimal use can be made of existing and current public transport available in the country. Modal shift is the result of a personal choice. This study investigated current factors influencing choice of mode as well as factors influencing the choice to shift from one mode to another utilising focus groups as a qualitative data collection method. The study was conducted in all nine provinces and public participation from high, medium and low income participants from rural, urban and metropolitan areas were sought. Findings from this research indicated that there is a large void between what is “available” to people and what people “prefer” as their ideal mode of transport. Modal choice was found to be associated with a community/income group “perceived freedom” to make choices. This was strongly associated with the level of income as well as physical access and affordability of specific modes of transport. Furthermore the findings from the study indicate that there are significant differences in how people from different provinces and income groups view and choose specific modes of transport based on personal, social and environmental factors. This paper provides an overview of the findings pertaining to these relationships and correlations between the different factors found to influence modal choice.
Comparison of two accessible transport service designs in South Africa
(2001-06) Venter, C; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
The paper provides an evaluation of recent experience in South Africa with two service designs for transport dedicated to disabled users. The designs – a Dial-a-Ride system and a fixed-route, fixed-schedule system operating on the “service route” model – were tested as national demonstration projects in major urban areas. Both systems focused on marginalized user groups: disabled residents of isolated communities with no accessible public transport services and very low car ownership levels. The paper describes each service in more detail, and provides an assessment of the user impacts and cost-effectiveness of each. Both types of service succeeded in providing effective transport to a relatively small group of users.
Design implications of incorporating employee profiles and workplace activity levels in travel demand management led parking demand assessments
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2008-07) Letebele, MO; Maretlwa, KP; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
In the urban areas of South Africa the provision of parking has historically been based on town planning schemes formulated by local authorities. The parking requirements in these town planning schemes were established from the results of numerous surveys that observed the actual use of parking spaces and related the demand on specific attributes of land use, and depending on the land use these could be unit of leasable floor area, availability of seats, availability of beds or the number of employees, in order to derive parking demand rates for design purposes. The fundamental problem with this approach is that the standards are derived from historically observed parking demand and therefore evolutionary socio-economic attributes do not necessarily influence the standards so developed. While these standards are supposed to be continuously updated, it would be difficult to re-demarcate parking spaces for built up areas. Therefore old built up areas remain with the problem of fixed parking spaces when the demand for parking is ever increasing. A more fundamental question, however, is how to better understand travel behaviour to enable the design of sustainable transport services, of which parking form part, in line with policy instruments such as travel demand management. It is the aim of the paper to help contribute towards answering such questions, by providing some empirically derived datasets assimilated within the context of better understanding travel behaviour related to parking demand. The paper isolates the case of a large firm in the City of Tshwane, employing 3 751 people, and interrogates relationships between work place travel activity patterns, employee profiles and parking demand. South African workplaces, in particular, especially in urban areas, are ever more characterised by increased parking demand and limited capacity to accommodate the demand. In this specific case study, the analysis is reliant on classified occupancy traffic counts at the workplace, employee records and some land use data. The main contribution of the paper is in the publishing of some empirically derived parking demand related datasets, to illustrate usefulness of more in-depth behavioural data in the formulation of designing sustainable transport services. The paper concludes that much insight is gained from understanding travel behaviour in the design of sustainable transport services to serve the workplace
Eliminating the empty bus syndrome by understanding dynamic travel behaviour
(Alive2green, 2012-11) Mokonyama, Mathetha T
This chapter interrogates some empirical data to examine some of the contributory causes of EBS in South Africa, and uses the City of Johannesburg as a case study. The daily travel patterns of car users are analysed within the context of how bus services are provided in Johannesburg. The findings are particularly important for authorities planning and public transport systems and operators who wish to make their services more financially sustainable.
Empowerment of women in the transport sector value chain: Lessons for policy and practice
(2018-07) Mhlanga, M; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
Based primarily on a focus group made up of representative voices of women in the transport sector value chain, the paper records progress and challenges in the sector to maximise the participation of women in the value chain, particularly in business. The findings are especially relevant for the implementation of policy and regulations such as the 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations which, for example, prequalifies women (among other groupings) for at least 30% of public sector work that is subcontracted to designated groups. Much progress has been made in the procurement legislation. However, the participation of women in the transport sector value chain is far from mature. Reasons for this include diluted commitment by institution in both the public and private sectors, especially the private sector, to empowerment ideals. Furthermore, progress is not systematically measured and reported and therefore corrective measures are not readily identifiable. The absence of a critical mass of success stories also dampens traction. A comprehensive transport sector profiler is seen as critical to unlock opportunities. Organisational skills of non-governmental organisations also require strengthening in order for these organisations to prepare and mobilise the transport sector for much needed change.
Forecasting household transport energy demand in South African cities
(2009-11) Mokonyama, Mathetha T
The South African built environment is forever changing with implications on the demand for travel related energy demand at a household level. Nonetheless, the development control and development planning practices in the country seldom take into account the implications of changes in the built environment on energy demand. Over time, from a transport perspective, the disregard for transport energy demand implications of land use developments could imply remarkably increased per capita cost of transport and the overall costs of living. Based on the data available such as household travel surveys and transport models, the paper illustrates how transport energy implications of development proposals can be modelled and forecasted. The City of Johannesburg is used as a case study. In the paper, vehicle kilometres travelled is used as a surrogate measure for transport energy demand. The paper concludes that development control and development planning practices that aim to minimise the rate of increase of transport costs, for which energy is a significant component, should be central in South African cities. This is achievable through revised design philosophy in Town Planning Schemes, and recognition of the interaction effects of land use developments. The shortcomings of the modelling approach adopted in the case study are discussed as well as some recommendation to address them.
Guidelines for the provision of bypass roads at and through-ways in cities and towns
(2023-07) Pienaar, PA; Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Das, DK; Pienaar, WJ; Stander, HJ; Van As, SC; Robinson, A
Roads provide linkages between cities and towns, neighbouring countries, and to other points of interest. Up until the mid-20th century, roads forming part of the national network in South Africa generally passed through cities and towns. As these areas grew and traffic volumes increased, it became clear that bypasses would be necessary. In 1960 the National Transport Commission adopted its freeway policy which included the concept of bypass roads. Despite the adoption of the concept of bypass roads, the provision of these roads remained a controversial issue. The perceived benefits to the city or town of through traffic are weighed up against the benefit of a bypass to long-distance traffic in terms of travel time and cost, and road safety considerations. The aim of the paper is to provide guidelines for the planning and management of bypass roads and through-ways, as well as for the economic impact analysis of these roads. The paper refers to Christaller’s Central Places Theory which explains the spatial distribution of a system of cities and towns, as well as the road network linking these centres with one another. The assessment of the need for a bypass road is then addressed. Guidelines are provided on aspects such as land use development, road network planning, and route determination principles. An economic analysis framework, addressing both social cost-benefit analysis and economic impact analysis methodologies, is presented. Finally certain conclusions are reached. The paper is based on a research project, Project P2.5 of 2018: “Provision of bypass roads and through-ways in settlements, towns and cities”, conducted as part of the SANRAL Research Programme.
Harnessing innovation in passenger transport research in Africa
(2006-07) Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Schnackenberg, E
The paper provides the framework proposed by the newly established Built Environment Unit of CSIR, a public institution, to provide foresight driven research input into the passenger transport domain. This is modelled on the mandate of the CSIR of improving the quality of life through directed multidisciplinary research and technological innovation. Examples of the research initiatives currently underway in this area are provided. The paper concludes by reaffirming the need to establish collaborative relationships founded on a foresight approach, and also defines the scope for specialist in-depth passenger transport operations research opportunities in Africa.
Implications of chronic disease patient travel to healthcare facilities on the design of national health insurance in South Africa - a preliminary review
(www.satc.org.za, 2017-07) Mubaiwa, T; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
The South African Human Rights Commission acknowledges that access to healthcare services in South Africa, especially for the poor, is severely constrained by expensive, inadequate or non-existent transport services. This is exacerbated in cases of patients with chronic diseases who require regular travel to healthcare facilities. Therefore, any interventionist programme to improve access to healthcare facilities that does not incorporate transport access requirements reduces the efficacy of such a programme. The paper forms part of a research project aimed at identifying public transport design requirements to support patients with chronic diseases. This paper in particular qualitatively benchmarks the proposed South African National Health Insurance against other similar insurance schemes elsewhere in the world through isolating how the different schemes cover non-emergency patient transport requirements. The paper finds that South Africa’s National Health Insurance is among the many schemes that disregard patient travel requirements. However, subject to further empirical research, the paper identifies options for consideration that could be incorporated in the NHI for chronic patient travel requirements.
Improving accessibility and mobility in the Masia traditional council area in Vhembe district municipality, Limpopo: Application of low-cost access and mobility technologies
(2011-07) Nhemachena, C; Chakwizira, J; Dube, S; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
This study focused on the potential application of low-cost, integrated mobility and access technology interventions as key elements for improving socio-economic conditions and spatial livelihoods in rural areas. A feasibility was conducted to unpack the access and mobility issues in the Masia Traditional Council area as a Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) pilot site of Vhembe District in Limpopo. The study technique involved interrogating existing low-cost access and mobility technologies that can be used as interventions to improve and enhance intra and inter-community movement patterns and travel circulation. Ultimately such transport enhancements should provide robust platforms for strongly supporting socio-economic growth and development of rural communities at the CRDP pilot sites. The study considered integrated infrastructure interventions and generated strategies for implementing affordable access and mobility interventions. These included options such as all-weather roads, footpaths, pedestrian bridges and low-level crossing, all providing access to socio-economic facilities such as schools, clinics, shops and government offices. The results show that over time a number of low-cost access and mobility technologies suitable for application in rural territories have been developed. In making recommendations, the study emphasises that rural transport and development challenges should be addressed from two distinct but complementary perspectives. This study concentrated on the mobility perspective, which favours the deployment and provision of local-level infrastructure and services. Such approaches make transport and travel movement and circulation easier, efficient, effective and more convenient. In addition to providing more infrastructure, longer-term development planning should aim to locate facilities closer to the people, leading to self-contained rural neighbourhoods and communities.
Incorporation of customer satisfaction in public transport contracts - A preliminary analysis
(Elsevier, 2012-07) Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Venter, C
The design of public transport contracts provides an opportunity to define service quality standards to which an operator can be held accountable. While the specification of service quality standards is a common practice, the relationships between the specifications and customer satisfaction are often methodologically unclear. Based on a South African case study, the paper uses data collected from a group of passengers who have personal cars but choose to use public transport, and a control group of passengers who only use their cars, in the same corridor as the user group, to estimate a service quality conjoint model. The model is used to evaluate the effect of different public transport service packages, defined in terms of different combinations of service attributes, on passenger satisfaction. The paper confirms the need to classify service attributes in terms of their relative impact on passenger satisfaction, at the service design stages, where performance in respect of some attributes has a disproportionate impact on satisfaction, especially where public transport is competing directly with private transport. Practical applications and limitations of the methodology are also discussed.
The integration of smart mobility systems on the revised taxi recapitalisation program as a strategy to modernise the taxi industry
(2023-07) Ditshego, JK; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
This research was about establishing the extent to which digital technologies have impacted the institutional arrangements, efficiency of operational procedures, and coverage of the Revised Taxi Recapitalisation Program. However, the approach in executing this study consisted of two aspects, the first one entailed conducting field investigations to determine the geographical locations of taxi rank facilities within the study area and the categories of minibus taxis thereof, whilst establishing the type of technology systems used to manage the infrastructure and fleet within this sector. The second aspect was to assess the methods used to apply for the taxi scrapping subsidy and reviewing the government’s annual performance reports regarding the Revised Taxi Recapitalisation Program. Based on data obtained from these two approaches and using The Open Group Architecture Framework, a Taxi-Vehicle Monitoring System conceptual framework was developed. This system is anticipated to serve as a basis for incorporating and integrating smart mobility systems within the taxi industry to keep this sector competitive in the rapidly evolving digital transformation era. In addition, it is further envisaged that this system willenable the taxi industry to migrate from the current traditional methods to technology-based platforms that are integrated and efficient, thereby expediting the taxi scrapping program whilst expanding its scope to cater for all categories of taxis that transport commuters and to unlock additional government subsidies that can be introduced as a strategy to attract and enhance public-private partnerships.
“Looking back, looking forward": urban development and transport infrastructure in Gauteng Province
(2015-07) Mubiwa, B; Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Annegarn, H
Studies have shown that land-use and transportation systems have a two-way dependency. On one hand, the existing land-use structures influence trip distances and transport mode choice, while on the other hand transport infrastructure and systems have the potential to alter existing urban spatial structures. This paper qualitatively and quantitatively assesses one direction of this reciprocal relationship: the influences of transport infrastructure on urban development and mobility. It evaluates how past land-use (urban) development patterns in the Gauteng Province of South Africa may have been influenced by road and rail transport networks, including train stations. Following a time series analysis of Landsat satellite derived land-use change at three decadal intervals (1991, 2001 and 2009), spatial analysis of corridor (ribbon/linear) development was assessed using a series of urban growth maps in conjunction with transport infrastructure. Effects of transport infrastructure on land use development were assessed by analysing urban growth densities within buffer zones of major roads and railway stations, at 0.5 km intervals. Results show that despite suburban sprawl, transport infrastructure has enhanced corridor development in some areas of Gauteng Province over the last two decades, especially between 2001 and 2009.
Niche public transport operational and capital investment strategies to minimize fares in the light of increased energy costs
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2009-07) Letebele, MO; Maseloma, RC; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
Fuel costs are a significant component of a public transport fare. It is therefore of critical importance for measures aimed at containing household public transport expenditure to explore alternative ways of reducing fuel consumption or fuel substitution, where motorized travel is necessary. Alternatives include improved operational strategies, fleet acquisition strategies and alternative energy sources. The paper critically examines the extent to which improved public transport operational strategies as well as alternative energy sources can reduce the rate of increase of public transport fares.
Passenger transport research
(3S Media, 2008-03) Mokonyama, Mathetha T
In South Africa, airport and airline services epitomise what many would like to see in everyday public transport. The CSIR investigates what it will take to provide a commercial public transport service in South Africa which resembles commercial air travel services.
Public transport service design requirements for the changing face of the South African customer
(2008-04) Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Kistan, Kenny F
Based on the life cycle dynamics of the South African population, the paper investigates the implications of such dynamics on the design requirements of public transport services. The life cycle dynamics considered in this paper refer specifically changing circumstances related to travel patterns, demographics and some social reforms. Several household surveys that include the National Census and the National Household Travel Survey are used for analytical purposes, and therefore, the paper is limited to the dimensions of the respective surveys. The paper attempts to identify the design customer or group of customers and associated design implications. The findings are especially relevant to the refinement of passenger transport design standards.
The relationship between urban neighbourhood type and commuting distance in Gauteng City region, South Africa. A preliminary analysis
(www.satc.org.za, 2013-07) Moselakgomo, M; Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Okonta, F
This paper uses the 2001 and 2013 Gauteng household travel survey datasets to investigate the nature of change in commuting distances of commuters from different neighbourhood types in the Gauteng City Region, in South Africa. The investigation is done within the context of the need to evaluate the impact of the promulgated post-apartheid urban form policy reforms that were introduced since 1995. The results show that, contrary to policy intents, the overall Gauteng’s average commuting distance was longer in 2013 than in 2001. Also surprisingly, the average commuting distance for inner city dwellers was also longer in 2013 than in 2001 by 40%. The average commuting distances for township dwellers remained unchanged, albeit relatively long than all other neighbourhood types. While increases in average trips distances are partly attributed to the increased poly-centrism in the city region, it appears that current spatial policy reform instruments are not as effective as intended.
Service design: pre-trip planning for international visitors attending the 2010 Soccer World Cup
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2008-07) Page, OA; Mokonyama, Mathetha T
The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, a multi-city event drawing visitors from around the world into the existing South-African transportation system, provides an opportunity to showcase and learn about the impact of different passenger transport service design strategies. However, bid and subsequent planning documents for the event have focused on macro issues relating to the envisaged public transport systems. Designing passenger transport services for the event requires a good understanding of the different end users at an operational level. For example, there has been limited discussion of how the expected thousands of international visitors might cope with planning and subsequently using available public transport. This paper aims to discuss the challenge to enhance the resources and highlights opportunities for research and development in trip planning resources. An overview is given of personal safety on public transport system in South Africa and international visitor public transport use while in South Africa. As a case study, the status quo of pre-trip planning resources in metro Johannesburg (the site of two of the ten soccer stadiums) is the described. This is followed by a discussion of trip planning resource challenges facing 2010 World Cup based on the existing situation if not corrected. The paper concludes that in the current public transport environment, attempting to do pre-trip planning using local public transport systems is fraught with difficulty and is, in some cases, impossible. It is imperative that online resources of South African public transport systems in venue cities meet minimum information standards as a matter of urgency as this will improve service levels and reduce the promotion of only a single mode, road-based private transport, as the system of choice during the event. That non-sustainable scenario has the potential to limit the success of the transport system as well as the regional economic benefit to South Africa
The social impact of introducing a tolling scheme on a pre-existing urban network: the case of South Africa
(2012-10) Mokonyama, Mathetha T
The paper reviews the merits of the user-pays principle in the context of tolling of a pre-existing urban road network in a developing country. The province of Gauteng in South Africa is used as a case study, in which an open toll road system is proposed for implementation. The project itself, while at terminal stages of operational implementation, was marred by court battles and civil protests that cited, among other things, poor stakeholder consultation, inappropriate transport solution concept, and claims of severe economic and social impact. The paper shows that an indiscriminate implementation of the user-pays principle within the context of urban network tolling is indeed inappropriate. This is demonstrated through the use of more explicit, yet aggregate level, impact analysis of the proposed scheme on households as a function of household income, urban spatial structure, and available mobility choices. It is, for example, shown that only 10% highest income households are able to comfortably absorb the additional costs of transport due to tolls, and that the historical urban spatial structure renders the tolling less appropriate as a mobility management instrument. The paper recommends further research in respect of equitable user-pays principle in the transport sector, as well as the need to seek more comprehensive mobility and access solutions as opposed to purely road infrastructure oriented solutions.
Strategic role of transport in BRICS group of countries and lessons for South Africa
(SATC 2013, 2013-07) Mokonyama, Mathetha T; Vilana, M; Mpondo, B
The Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) group of countries has as one of its goals to promote sustainable accelerated competitive advancement of developing economies. This is generally achieved through instruments such as multilateral trade mechanisms, directed institutional collaborations, and political allegiances. Understanding the strategic role of transport in BRICS will help with improved decision making relating to transport investments, individually and collectively, in these countries. This is achieved in this paper through systematic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking of both freight and passenger transport services and infrastructure. Particular lessons are drawn for South Africa as a new member of BRICS in respect of transport development strategies.

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