‘CAR POOLING CAN CUT TRAVEL COSTS’

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.

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