ICT usage to improve efficiency in the City of Johannesburg public transportation system

Abstract: Information communication simplifies the way of living as everyone is updated with everything happening around them. With technology, information distribution becomes more efficient and convenient, and everyone could have access to the same information which on most occasions is accurate. Globally, developed countries have implemented different techniques in information dissemination for public transport through technology which today these technologies are adopted in public transport everywhere in the world including developing countries. South Africa is a developing country that has numureous public transportation systems for commuting and with the City of Johannesburg (COJ) having all forms of public transportation available in the country. Currently, the city has various forms of public transport including both formal and informal public transportation such as ride-share services (uber and taxify), Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) known as Rea Vaya, High-Speed Trains (HST) known as Gautrain system and traditional public transport systems (mini-bus taxis, Putco Bus, metro rail). This paper seeks to identify whether the high usage of ICT could assist to integrate both formal and informal public transport systems through different dynamics to deliver sustainable and convinience public transportation systems. The study adopted a case study research design and a mixed method approach that facilitated the gathering and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data from the public transport officials and commuters. Statistical, content and document analysis were used to glean more information. Preliminary results indicated that Innovative formal public transportation such as Gautrain system, Rea Vaya bus, uber and taxify deployed the usage of ICT which makes commuters to be informed with the whereabouts of the innovative public transportation, however, commuters still struggle with convinient movement in and around the city due to numerous factors. Consequently, informal public transport such as mini-buses (taxis) which transport 60% of commuters daily in and around the city does not have the usage of ICT in any form but can be efficient at certain times and can also be frastruating at some times as there is no form of communication. The implications of the study indicate that the city has the high availability of public transportation which is disjoint from each other affecting reliabilty and efficiency for commuting as there is lack of formal information communication within these different public transportation systems as all of them are interested in benefiting individually. The study recommends a development of an integrated online application which will provide information on both formal and informal public transpotation plartforms in the City of Johannesburg for commuters to be able to be informed of the availability of public transport in the City for Johannesburg 24hours for conviniency. Further, this app could assist commuters to identify the movement of the innovative formal public transport in-real time to create seamless travelling if necessary, for commuters. With efficient and integrated public transport system in the city will result in more usage of public transportation