Track: Transport and Traffic

Abstract

South Africa has seen a substantial rise in the number of students enrolling in higher institutions as a matter of fact these students need transportation to access universities activities. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of transportation-related challenges of non-resident students, from the Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB) campus at the University of Johannesburg to their place of residence and vice versa. To comprehend transportation-related challenges, the objectives focused on analysing the choice of transport mode, distances and duration of trips, transportation cost and specific transportation challenge students experience. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from 309 non-resident students at the APB campus. Around a third of respondents (34%) indicated to live in suburbs neighboring the APB campus.

The findings indicated that transportation challenges affected about 75% of non-resident student’s attendance and participative energy in class. Less than a third of respondents (29%) indicated that the ideal mode of transport is the free inter-campus bus as part of their transportation networks. Surprisingly, none of the students cycle to access this university. On-time transportation service, safety, availability, cost and comfort are some of the essential challenges experienced as some of the academic programs are scheduled early morning or late evening.

Keywords: transportation challenges; non-resident students; mode of transportation