Windhoek: Leaders of government and the City of Windhoek (CoW) on Wednesday participated in a Commuter Experience Ride to underscore the daily challenges faced by public transport users and advocate for immediate improvements.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, described the ride as an enlightening experience that highlighted the struggles encountered by many Namibians. She emphasized the necessity for public transport to be affordable, reliable, safe, and accessible, viewing it as a fundamental right.

!Nawases-Taeyele noted, ‘This morning we walked in the shoes of our people. We woke up early, waited at the bus stop, felt the waiting times, and shared a seat on the bus like thousands of Namibians do daily.’ She called for stronger partnerships between central government, the CoW, the Roads Authority (RA), and the Road Fund Administration to alleviate commuters’ challenges. She also suggested the development of a central bus station, integration of land-use planning with transport, and discussions on future commuter trains.

Windhoek Mayor, Ndeshihafela Larandja, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the exercise as a humbling experience and a reminder of the importance of public transport to Windhoek residents. She highlighted issues like congestion, overcrowded stations, and long waiting times, while also identifying opportunities for innovation. Proposed measures include expanding bus routes, modernizing interchanges, and introducing cashless ticketing with real-time passenger information.

Larandja remarked, ‘Public transport is the heartbeat of our city. If it fails, our economy slows, our children arrive late to school, and our workers lose productivity. But when it works, it connects people to opportunity.’

Both leaders emphasized the need for stakeholders to convert the day’s insights into actionable steps to create an inclusive, sustainable, and efficient transport system for current and future generations.