Pretoria - Gauteng Transport MEC, Bheki Nkosi, has urged soccer fans to arrive early at match venues to assist the easy flow of traffic.
The MEC said this after having been on board the Gautrain this morning to get a first hand impression on the train's readiness level, from a commuter perspective.
"As we approach the official kick-off on Friday, we are confident of the ability and capacity of our transport arrangements to meet the demands and expectations of the fans moving to and from, in and around Gauteng swiftly.
"It is with this confidence in mind that we urge all the fans going to the stadiums and the public viewing areas or fan parks to make sure that they arrive on time at all these venues."
Metrorail has availed 19 dedicated train sets that will service fans to and from the three match venues in Gauteng (Soccer City, Coca Cola Park and Loftus) between Johannesburg and Tshwane.
The Johannesburg Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) fleet of 149 busses will also be running a special service for the games between Coca Cola Park and Soccer City and to the Johannesburg fan parks.
Taxis will also be operating around Gauteng as well as in the province's park 'n ride facilities.
MEC Nkosi urged fans to ensure they are seated at least an hour before kick-off.
Fans are urged to start moving to the venues as early as 11h00 for an afternoon game and to start moving as early as 16h00 for the match that starts in the evening.
This would allow the province's transport arrangement to service everyone smoothly without anxiety or frustration.
He also urged fans to use public transport to minimise traffic congestion.
"Make use of our improved rail service; get onto a taxi to the park 'n ride, use the BRT system, share a ride with friends or walk from the park 'n ride facilities to the match venue.
"Everything we do, let us give ourselves enough time to be able to arrive early at the venues," he said.
