CHAPTER 14 The Role of Cars and Company Cars in SA GUIDELINES FOR PASSENGER TRANSPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA A MULTI MODAL ANALYSIS

14.1 Introduction Cars are not normally regarded as a public transport mode because many researchers fail to consider their influence over the urban passenger transport situation the emotional nature of public attitudes towards the car has led to a distorted perception of its true cost

14.1 Introduction cont’ Direct influence of the car: 1.contributes to congestion (which slows down all other road users, whether in cars, minibus-taxis or buses), 2. requires substantial facilities to operate effectively (such as freeways and parking) and 3.has negative environmental consequences (noise, pollution and collisions).

Indirect influence of the car Most car users have a low perception of their motoring costs. This perception is even lower when the costs of motoring are partly subsidised by employers and Government Introduction cont’

14.2 Psychological Impact of the car Motor car functions are grouped into two categories: rational and irrational. Rationally – simply a means of transport to get from A to B – has to satisfy three important criteria - safety, economy and optimum speed.

Irrational – relates to the emotional impact which the motor car has on society. – a symbol of “freedom”, “status” and “power” – Has strongly influenced society’s attitudes towards, and perceptions of, transport. These perceptions (or misperceptions)result in a desire to use a motor car, no matter what the cost - a situation which leads to a distorted view of costs and an unwillingness to address the macro-economic issues in an objective way Psychological Impact of the car

14.3 Concept of “perceived” cost “perceived cost” and “generalised cost” are terms used to describe the tendency of car users to consider only certain items of expense when comparing the costs of public and private transport – Like only the cost of fuel and, in some cases, maintenance Since fuel costs are usually lower than train and bus fares, car users regard their cars as “cheaper”.

14.5 Total cost of cars Many motorists consider only the cost of fuel and maintenance when comparing transport costs. Fuel and maintenance constitute about 35% of total costs, leaving about 65% of total costs that motorists regard as “free”.

14.6 Calculation of the car “subsidy” (b) All cars The comparatively low rate of tax on fuel in South Africa can also be regarded as a “hidden subsidy” to car users. If fuel in SA was priced at levels similar to those in Europe, say closer to RI3,00 per litre, this would represent additional income to the Government of about R10 billion. Much of this amount could be used to assist public transport.