Exploring the efficacy of innovative urban public transport infrastructural systems on economic transformation: case of Gautrain and are Yeng in the City of Tshwane

Abstract: There is generally interconnectedness among the complex urban challenges that are being experienced in most developing countries. Of particular note are the spatial fragmentation and inefficient and ineffective transport systems that characterize South African cities. In response, innovative urban public transport systems that seek to improve mobility and encourage mixed land use development have emerged. The innovations also seek to resolve the three apartheid vices that are unemployment, poverty and inequality thus enhancing economic growth and development within South African cities. This paper therefore examined the role of innovations in urban public transport systems to the creation and improvement of business operations and employment opportunities within the City of Tshwane. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were adopted and applied to gather from key informants and users of the transport services using interviews and questionnaires. Study findings revealed that the innovations have resulted in some commendable developments within the city of Tshwane however, the poor and previously disadvantaged citizens are yet to benefit meaningfully. The economic transformation agenda still needs to deliberately facilitate the inclusion of the poor in line with the massive transport infrastructure investments that have been made. Accordingly, the study recommends an integrated approach to economic transformation and innovative urban transport system. Human capacity development anchored through investment in education, skills development and human rehabilitation for self-help projects and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) is highly recommended. Major investment opportunities should prioritize the urban poor instead of mainly improving the lives of that are already part of the formal economy. As a result, the study concludes by developing a model on Integrated Approach to innovative urban transport planning and economic transformation