Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has urged all football fans attending 2010 FIFA World Cup matches to use public transport.
"Public transport forms the backbone of transport plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Government has invested more than R40 billion on public transport for this tournament.
"Our public transport infrastructure includes world-class airports, upgraded train stations and refurbished coaches, an inter-provincial and regional road transportation system comprising luxury buses and midi-buses as well as integrated rapid public transport networks such as the bus rapid transit (BRT) system," he said on Sunday.
South Africa's integrated transport infrastructure and networks will enhance the experience of all those participating in the greatest show on earth.
"The use of public transport during this time will significantly reduce congestion on the roads. Too many fans are driving in private vehicles and the use of public transport will assist a great deal," the minister said.
There are train stations in the vicinity of every stadium 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 being delayed and frustrated by congestion on the roads.
"We have also implemented an inter-provincial and regional road transport system which comprises luxury buses and midi-buses."
Spectators using this service are guaranteed to arrive at the stadiums at least two hours before the match. Parking areas for 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 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, and make their way to the stadiums at least three hours before kick-off.
Various travelling options are available. For more information on these options, spectators are encouraged to use the website www.2010findyourway.co.za, which serves as a central point of information for transport arrangements for regional movements (air, bus and rail), as well as for host city transport arrangements.
The website also has links to all major transport operators including detailed information on schedules, pricing and bookings.
"An integrated transportation system is in place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As government, we are going all out to ensure that those who use our public transport services are able to do so effectively and efficiently," said Minister Ndebele.
