By David Ndodana
Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Mr. Jacob Mamabolo has, on behalf of the Department, received the 2020 Gauteng Regional Household Travel Survey (GRHTS) Report from the CSIR on Tuesday, 29 March 2022 at CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane. 
In 2019, the Department commissioned the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation, to conduct a General Household Travel Survey (GHTS) to study and examine transport patterns of households in the province. 
The outcomes of the study serve to provide a vital understanding of general mobility patterns at a household level and assist in providing an improved understanding of interactions between households and transport service delivery.
Promising to act on the report, MEC Mamabolo stressed that "the report will not gather dust but will be used to build effective and efficient institutions. We must also create transport as a catalyst for economic growth, and the public must benefit from the thriving economy". 
He indicated that "time, costs and reliability are key for people travelling, and coordination of different modes of transport is also very key. How fast we deliver and maintain modes of transport is (also) very key in smart mobility".
Mr. Aubrey Motubatse Motubatse - DDG: Roads explained the importance and purposes of the travel survey. "The report will assist us as the Department in understanding the travelling patterns of the Gauteng citizens and assist municipalities in transport planning" he said.
In his presentation, CSIR Impact Area Manager Dr. Mathetha Mokonyama said that "indications are that the transport system is distressed with notable regional nuances. We need to deal with the backlogs and also the opportunities". He highlighted the following opportunities:
•             Establishment of the transport authority to facilitate improved coordination;
•             National public transport subsidy policy;
•             Voice of civil society to set targets; and 
•             Automotive industry master plan and associated value chain for public transport.
Dr Mokonyama indicated that the way-forward is to use data to strengthen planning capacity at local government level and set clear targets. He further added that travelling trends point to the need for improved mechanisms to implement legislation.
The survey findings represent a critical input to promoting appropriate mobility research and planning practices as desired in transport legislation and policy. The sole aim being the achievement of better, sustainable, integrated mobility infrastructure and systems. 
MEC Mamabolo had earlier requested assistance from the CSIR in the use of technology to find solutions. He announced that the Department has completed the building of a Transport Data Management Centre, to promote the use of smart technology and indicated the report will be housed there.