Free transport for SWC fans

Designated parking areas, free rail travel and additional transport facilities will be introduced for the 2010 World Cup, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo said on Wednesday.

"We are on track and ready to host the 2010 World Cup. The city is ready to welcome all spectators and visitors and we want to encourage everyone to use public transport," Masondo said.

Fans able to produce a match ticket would be able to travel to the game free by train.

Fans driving would be able to take a shuttle service from designated parking areas.

There would also be parking close enough for commuters to walk to stadiums.

Fans using the park-and-ride and park-and-walk services were encouraged to book in advance.

The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system would also run to and from Soccer City and Ellis Park.

No problem with BRT

Defending the new bus service, after a number of attacks in which people were killed, Masondo said safety would not be a problem.

"We are doing everything possible to assure the safety of passengers using BRT.

"It's very clear that those who are trying to start fires with the BRT will not succeed and the majority of the community support the BRT."

Taxi operators had voiced concerns that, with the introduction of the BRT, they would lose out on business the World Cup would bring the transport industry.

Masondo said the city of Johannesburg remained committed to working together with taxi companies and was finalising the details of their involvement in the World Cup transport system.

"The taxi industry is very much apart of our plans," he said.

Sandton and Westgate would serve as "integrated transport hubs" throughout the World Cup, from where commuters could catch a train, bus or taxi to the games, he said.

Metrobuses and minibus taxis as well as the BRT would transport fans from the transport hubs to the stadiums, Masondo said.