Times Of Swaziland: ‘CAR POOLING CAN  CUT TRAVEL COSTS’

‘CAR POOLING CAN  CUT TRAVEL COSTS’
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BY SABELO MAZIBUKO on 17/03/2014 05:02:00


MBABANE – Following the tabling of a 50 per cent maximum bus fare hike in
Parliament, members of the public seem to be considering alternatives to avoid
the pinch.
Most of the commuters interviewed have suggested using other means of transport
to avoid the 50 per cent hike in public transport fares.
Most of them observed that if one was to travel to work everyday, the recent
proposed hike in transport fees would take its toll on anyone’s budget. For
that reason, the public has suggested car pooling with one or two people who
live along the same route to cut travel and fuel costs. They said in this they
would rather use a car instead of public transport.
“Not only will you save money, but you’ll get to know co-workers on a
personal level,” suggested another commuter who identified herself as Make
Dlamini.
Sandile Dvuba, who is working in one of the retail shops around Mbabane, said
cycling to work was another alternative to public transport. “If your job
doesn’t require formal wear, you can get away with cycling to work in
comfortable clothes and sneakers and you will save money and get to work,”
said Dlamini.
Dlamini also observed that peddling past cars stuck in rush hour traffic makes
commuting that much more pleasant.
Other commuters preferred motorcycles as a cheap means of transport in such
testing times. Although some considered motorcycles a little dangerous, they
conceded it was actually a cheaper option to driving a car.
“This means of transport enables you to save on fuel costs. You can ride to
work in your formal wear and not even break a sweat unlike when cycling to work.
 Riding a bike to work is also more convenient than taking public transport,”
observed Sanele Dlamini.
However, some commuters, especially the elderly, said if they could turn back
the hands of time, they would have preferred using horses and donkeys as their
mode of transport. One elderly man at the Mbabane Market said he used to travel
by horse to his market place. He said it never cost him a cent.
“However, nowadays, such means of transport is no longer used especially
around urban areas. There are a few people using donkeys and horses and most of
those who still rely on them live in remote areas. If push comes to shove, I
will try to buy a horse as I am used to riding it,” said the old man who
identified himself as Zwane.