Urban transport in Cape Town is built around privately owned cars, buses, the railway and walking. Because the road network is well developed and in good condition and there are many parking spaces, it is mainly roads and cars that support the daily lives of citizens.
The road traffic situation in Cape Town is still good compared to that in other major cities of the world. However, in addition to being a good port and a major tourist center blessed with excellent tourism resources, Cape Town is also planning to lure the Olympic Games in 2004 and is in the process of carrying out plans to achieve major urban development and urban transport preparation.
The city administration feels that relying solely on car transport will lead to problems of road congestion and exhaust fume pollution in the future, so it is planning to introduce a low- pollution rail system of public transport.
The planning of urban transport in specific areas is something that must be done as part of a comprehensive transport system master plan that considers urban development plans and future conditions, and should be done after first gaining knowledge in various transport modes and obtaining an accurate grasp of current conditions. Moreover, the wide utilization of the LRT within the transport system can itself have an effect on city planning and specific urban development plans.
Public modes of urban transport must first be safe for people to use. The current situation where it is recognized that some areas of Metro are dangerous is the first thing that has to be remedied. After that, it is important to prove and give the impression to citizens that the newly introduced system of public transport is safe to use.
Regarding the LRT being considered for introduction within the urban transport structure, it will be necessary to take measures to give right of way to the LRT. Also, measures should be considered with regard to parking space charges and other matters that are deeply linked to the rate of LRT use, with a view to promoting usage of the LRT.
