The Gauteng Household Travel Survey for 2019/20 found that about 60% of households spend more than the transport policy maximum of 10% of their income on public transport. 

Interpreted together with previous similar surveys, the 2019/20 survey shows that the average home-to-work travel time in the morning peak period increased by 17%, from 46 minutes in 2014 to 57 minutes in 2019/20, and the average travel time over the past 20 years has almost doubled. Travel times deteriorated markedly for public transport users. 

The 2019/20 survey was a collaborative project between the CSIR and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. A probability sample of over 31 000 households in the cities of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Tshwane and the West Rand participated in the survey. 

The quantitative and qualitative data collected on household travel choices and behaviours assist with evidence-led transport planning. Improved transport planning is important because transport continues to contribute significantly to the increased cost of living and, by extension, the cost of doing business in Gauteng Province. 

A follow-up survey due for release towards the end of 2022 will provide a more authoritative measurement of the short to long-term impact of Covid-19 on household travel in Gauteng.