Stats SA to conduct household travel survey
The survey aims to provide an overview of travel patterns in all districts, including King Cetshwayo, Zululand and uMkhanyakude districts, to allow transport planners to assess road infrastructure needs, affordability of public transport as well as how far people commute from home to work and to school
WITH the transport sector being one of the country’s biggest socio-economic drivers, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will be visiting 65 000 households to conduct a national household travel survey (NHTS 2020).
The survey aims to provide an overview of travel patterns in all districts, including King Cetshwayo, Zululand and uMkhanyakude districts, to allow transport planners to assess road infrastructure needs, affordability of public transport as well as how far people commute from home to work and to school.
‘It is commonly accepted that when transport systems are efficient, they provide economic and social opportunities with benefits that result in a positive multiplier effect such as better accessibility to markets, employment and additional investments,’ said Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke.
The final report will also inform the national transport policy framework on various socio-economic conditions and structural patterns in the country.
At least 439 field staff, 368 survey officers and 71 supervisors began data collection last week and are expected to conclude their work on 20 March.
The final report is expected to be released by October.
‘We want to assess attitudes towards transport services and facilities, ascertain the cost of public transport and establish whether households have access to places of work, education institutions and health facilities,’ Maluleke said.
Stats SA, together with the Department of Transport, have encouraged the public to cooperate with the survey for the benefit of all South Africans.
They also urged the public to be vigilant of people who will be posing as Stats SA officials.
‘Stats SA field workers can be identified through the official Stats SA Identification (ID) card displaying the Stats SA logo, the fieldworker’s photograph and the unique number of the fieldworker.
‘Respondents can also contact the Stats SA toll-free call centre on 0800 110 248 to verify the legitimacy of the field workers visiting their homes.
‘Respondents may also visit the Stats SA website for online verification of field workers,’ Stats SA said.
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