Ok Joburgers, so I know it’s been a rather grumpy week all around. Tuesday saw the roll out of the much resisted E-tolling system and then a sneaky fuel price hike on Wednesday just as an added sprinkling of Eina! to Joburg motorists.
So, you probably don’t really want to read this now. You might resist my optimistic let’s-make-lemonade offering, but let’s give it a go shall we?
Firstly, we need to steer away from our natural instinct to stab politics into every discussion. The E-tolling system is one that is already applied quite liberally across the globe. In comparison, the price per kilometer that we are being asked to contribute comes in at the lowest.
We also need to consider the benefits that we have already seen on roads that have been tolled (like the roads to Limpopo from Johannesburg). We have to acknowledge the privilege of having one of the best road systems in the world.
Most importantly though, there is that great big discussion that needs to be had surrounding better, sustainable public transport ethics that critically needs to be absorbed into our urban etiquette.
If the idea of forking out more cash to drive in the luxury of your own car has left you with more rage than responsibility this week, would the use of public transport be a more appealing, viable option? The public transport system has dramatically improved with the feeding BRT and Gautrain routes. There’s the new kids on the block in the form of tuk-tuks for ground not covered by taxis and even more metered taxi options currently presented to us.
I think the good-carbon-footprint mentality is not one that has been embraced by our citizens. I hear your fears and concerns, but, then, let’s take some intuitive beyond the frustration and get E-Tagged.
Need more factual sway? – Have a look at these infographics put together by Direct Axis for some more inspiration.
You’re talking about ethics and say we SHOULD register for e-tags? I think it’s important to point out that in the ‘How does that compare internationally?’ part of the infographic, the comparison is between developed/first-world countries and South Africa – a developing/third would country. It makes me wonder how Direct Axis is involved in the e-tolls? Directly, I assume.
Hey, this is awesome! Let’s compare ourselves to Norway.
Norway gives free college and University education to ALL citizens.
South Africa does not.
Norway has unemployment benefits that one can actually live on for awhile between jobs.
South Africa does not.
Norway has massive taxes, paying for a lot of nice social welfare and benefits.
South Africa has less taxes, paying for… well Nklanda, BMWs and other nice private welfare benefits.
Norway has a robust pension system and free public medical aid.
South Africa doe not.
So before you spread disinformation under the guise of, “It’s not so bad guys,” realise that you can only hurt the people’s cause to stand up to our government and are not, in fact, cheering anyone up.
My thoughts exactly!
One other minor point. In France, one can choose to drive on Tolled Highways and Untolled Highways. Not in SA!
And in the past 25 million people paid for our highways. Now there are 52 million people. Why is there suddenly a problem paying for the same roads? Could it be because the South African government is so adept at paying grants before providing a meaningful and sustainable business environment so that jobs can be created?
Another thought on this. Is fuel levy included in these comparisons. Do the other countries pay fuel levy’s. Bad comparison.