SECTION 2: ON ARRIVAL | < BACK | NEXT >

2.4       TRANSPORT

2.4.1       TAXIS

There are two types of taxis operating in South Africa – the conventional metered taxis and the omnipresent mass market commuter minibus taxis.

Conventional metered taxis are generally safe to take in the cities but it is a good idea to ask the place you are staying with if they have a regular taxi that they use. A few tips:
∙ Don't get into a taxi that does not have a valid taxi registration number stuck on the windscreen.
∙ Prices start at about R8 per km but you can ask for a fixed price. Taxis often pick up multiple passengers     along their route so don't be surprised to find yourself with other passengers.

Minibus taxies are used by most of South Africa as the normal means of transport. They are normally 16 seater vehicles with a Minibus taxi association sticker on the back. They are normally safe to take if you know where they are going. Overloading is common. In rural areas mini bus taxis are often the only way to get to a place unless you have your own car. Don’t get into an overloaded taxi or one that is in bad condition.

See the individual City Guides in Section 4 for contact numbers of Taxis in the World Cup host cities.

 

2.4.2       RAPID BUS TRANSIT SYSTEMS.

The Integrated Transport Plan for host cities' Cape Town, Pretoria (Tshwane), Durban, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth is part of the government’s commitment to provide fast, safe, quality, affordable public transport to and from host stadia.

The BRT routes have been designed to link up with the inner-city distribution systems and various other development nodes and residential areas. The buses run in dedicated lanes and have their own terminals and facilities along the routes. In Johannesburg, the system is known as Rea Vaya www.reavaya.org.za .

2.4.3       GAUTRAIN

Gauteng is the state-of-the-art rapid rail network linking O R Tambo International Airport with the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. Passengers can look forward to enjoying all the benefits of a world-class public transport system. Having access to a train every 12 minutes and 120 buses to service stations, Gautrain will bring unprecedented convenience and reliability.  The journey between the airport and Sandton takes only 15 minutes. The service began operation one week prior to World Cup kickoff, with the fare between the airport and Sandton set at R100. Check their web site www.gautrain.co.za for updates and schedules.

2.4.4       OTHER RAIL

South Africa’s suburban rail network is operated by Metrorail, and will provide a reasonable transport solution to some World Cup visitors. There are safety concerns on this rail network, so try to travel in a group and be extra vigilant. Only travel in First Class carriages (which are equivalent to third class in most industrialized nations) There will be added security on these trains during the World Cup. Timetables and further information can be found on their web site at www.metrorail.co.za.

2.4.5       CAR HIRE

There is very little chance of renting a car after your arrival, so ensure you have reserved a vehicle prior to departure. We recommend booking with Africa Car Hire, which offers the most competitive rates with three of the large car hire firms, First Car Rental, Hertz and Thrifty. Visit their web site at www.africa-car-hire.com.

We strongly suggest that you take a full Insurance package when renting a vehicle in SA.

Other large car rental firms in South Africa are Avis www.avis.co.za, Europcar www.europcar.co.za and Budget www.budget.co.za.

 

 

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