Pretoria - Fans are encouraged to use South Africa's safe, efficient and reliable public transport for the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches to ensure they arrive at stadiums in good time.
Government has invested more than R40 billion on public transport infrastructure for this tournament, the transport ministry said on Tuesday and this included Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTNs) such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, freeway expansions and road upgrades.
Over and above normal inter-provincial road transport services, an additional 110 buses and 300 midi-buses have been acquired for the World Cup.
The World Cup legacy, the ministry said, would ensure that by 2020, more than 85 percent of any city's population live within a kilometre or closer to an integrated rapid public transport network feeder or corridor, while visitors alike will have viable, alternate transport options.
There are train stations in the vicinity of most stadiums and the walk from each station to the stadium is under five minutes.
"Holders of World Cup tickets travel free with Metrorail to and from stations in the vicinity of the stadium. Ticket holders are therefore advised to visit www.prasa.com or call the Metrorail Customer Care line on 0800-12-7070 to avoid delays and frustrations due to congestion on the roads," the department said.
An inter-provincial and regional road transport system which comprises luxury buses and midi-buses has been put in place for the tournament.
Spectators using this service are guaranteed to arrive at the stadiums at least two hours before the match. Drop-offs are between 100 and 800 metres to the stadium. From Gauteng, there will be a service for all games in Rustenburg, Polokwane, Nelspruit and Bloemfontein, which will bring people back to Gauteng straight after the game.
Tickets can be obtained from www.strictlytickets.com or 011-245 8611.
All nine host cities have in place World Cup transport plans with a public transport focus. These are supported by Park-and-Rides as well as Park-and-Walks. Fans are encouraged to plan their trips in advance to the stadiums, fan parks and public viewing areas. Those going to the stadiums should arrive preferably at least three hours before kick-off.
