Kasi-to-Kasi Challenge reveals Joburg’s beauty

24 October 2016

 

More than 80 Johannesburg residents on Friday October 21 left the convenience and comfort of their own cars to negotiate their way to their destinations using various modes of public transport in the City of Johannesburg’s annual Kasi-to-Kasi Challenge.

 

Led by Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba, the initiative – part of the City’s Transport Month programme – sought to demonstrate that public transport was a viable alternative to private vehicles in a city that was experiencing high levels of traffic congestion and air pollution.

Starting at the Johannesburg Theatre in Braamfontein, the participants were given four clues to four destinations they had to visit using the various modes of public transport available in the city, including Metrobus, Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses, minibus taxis, Gautrain and suburban commuter trains.

The adventure was aimed at highlighting the challenges faced by public transport users so they could be addressed and long-term solutions found. Eight teams of 10 took part in the challenge.

“This was a great way to get first-hand experience on what people who use public transport go through. The Kasi-to-Kasi Adventure is not only just about getting people out of their comfort zone; it’s also a great opportunity to see some of the iconic places in the city,” said Cllr Makhuba.

With the City extending its BRT service to Alexandra and Sandton, using public transport in Johannesburg is increasingly becoming an attractive and affordable option.

MMC Makhuba said the ultimate goal was to have an integrated transport system in Johannesburg that would be easily accessible to everyone.

This was the MMC’s first Kasi-to-Kasi Adventure. She was in a team that chose a route that took them to Jewel City, Market Theatre, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Lilliesleaf in Rivonia – and back to Braamfontein.

“This has been such an amazing adventure, which saw my team walking, climbing into a taxi, riding a bus, taking the Gautrain and using the Tuk-Tuk to get to our final destination,” said Cllr Makhuba.

She said she and her team came across exciting tourist attractions along the way. While waiting to catch a Rea Vaya bus at Thokoza Park in Rockville, Soweto, she spoke to commuters about some of the challenges they faced.

Veronica Mpongwana said she always struggled to get a bus home after work because the queues were often very long as there were fewer buses.

“We’d like the City to look into getting more buses from Thokoza Park to Protea North during peak hour,” said Mpongwana.

Cllr Makhuba said commuters’ concerns had been noted and action would be taken to make their rides more pleasant. “I think today was a good learning experience for us – that we should park our cars and use public transport more,” said Cllr Makhuba, whose team came third in the challenge.

Cllr Makhuba, however, said the adventure was not about getting to the final destination first. “It was about having a good time and getting to know our city better. Everyone who participated in this adventure is a winner.”