Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele today, Friday, 18 June 2010 called on South Africans to add convenience to their lives by using public transport for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"One of the key elements in determining a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup is the use of public transport, which will significantly reduce congestion on the roads and assist fans to arrive in good time for games.
As government, over the past four years, we have invested a staggering R40 billion in a new and improved, safe and reliable public transport system in anticipation of the current football spectacle. Every stadium is accessible via public transport buses, taxis or trains. There are even dedicated lanes for buses and mini-buses on which private vehicles are not allowed to travel.
"It is commonly known that one of the contributing factors to a successful FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006 was the widespread use of public transport. Over the years, football fans have used public transport during FIFA World Cup games in various parts of the world.
"FIFA World Cup matches must adhere to the highest standards of security, while contributing to a good football experience for all fans. This will differ in various countries. 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! Get out of your nice cars, meet our visitors and make them feel at home!
"The FIFA World Cup is a massive event. For a city such as Johannesburg, traffic congestion is part of everyday life. If we want to move an additional 90 000 people through our roads into Soccer City, is it feasible to have 90 000 additional vehicles making their way to Soccer City?
"We simply cannot afford to have even 50 000 more cars carrying 90 000 people travelling to Soccer City in Johannesburg. We cannot even afford to have a queue of 30 000 more cars snaking its way hours before kick-off all the way from Pretoria past the Johannesburg city centre along the M1 trying to get into Soccer City.
"So let us leave our cars at home and jump onto a bus, taxi or take a train to the stadium! Life will never be the same again. Let us say this again: Let us add convenience to our lives and experience public transport during this World Cup. Our system is successfully transporting spectators from all operational hubs in host cities directly to the stadiums.
This is why the stadiums are full. By all accounts, from the majority of visitors and locals who have used our system so far, public transport remains the most convenient way of travelling to the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches," said Minister Ndebele.
Holders of World Cup tickets travel free with Metrorail to and from stations in the vicinity of the stadium. Ticket holders are therefore advised to visit http://www.prasa.com or call the Metrorail Customer Care line on 0800 12 7070 to avoid delays and frustrations due to congestion on the roads.
An inter-provincial and regional road transport system which comprises luxury buses and midi-buses has been put in place for the tournament. Spectators using this service are guaranteed to arrive at the stadiums at least two hours before the match. Drop-offs are between 100 and 800 metres to the stadium. From Gauteng, there will be a service for all games in Rustenburg, Polokwane, Nelspruit and Bloemfontein, which will bring people back to Gauteng straight after the game.
Tickets can be obtained from http://www.strictlytickets.com or 011 245 8611. Various travelling options are also available at http://www.2010findyourway.co.za.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Sello Tshipi
Tel: 012 309 3846
Fax: 012 309 3313
Cell: 073 498 6722
E-mail: Tshipia@dot.gov.za
