Durban's residents have substantial transportation needs because of the dispersed spatial structure of the city. The Durban Metropolitan Area has a well developed road network, however, the road infrastructure is deteriorating and becoming congested. The provision of public transport is unco-ordinated and passengers are often subjected to criminal activities. In addition, transportation is having negative impacts on the environment e.g. air pollution. Transportation Policy changes at a National and Metropolitan level are focussing on improving public transport provision within the city to address this. The Metropolitan Environmental Policy seeks to support a sustainable transportation system.	Click here to see what you can do to improve the situation.
	About Indicators In thisTransport Report In this SOE Report Global Set
What is causing Transportation to impact negatively on the environment? Pressures result from inappropriate urban form and population growth, fragmented and unco-ordinated public transport, and inadequate transport sector funding.
What is the current state and recent trends of transportation? The Durban Metropolitan Area has generally well-developed road infrastructure and increasing car ownership levels. Decreasing levels of investment are, however, resulting in a deterioration in the system and increased traffic congestion. Durban has a large public transport sector consisting of rail, bus and minibus-taxi which provides for about 57% of all commuter trips in the city. Durban's Port is the busiest in Africa and is currently expanding its facilities. There are plans to move Durban International Airport situated in the South Industrial Basin to a site at La Mercy 30km north of the city centre.
How does transportation impact on the environment? Transportation in the Durban Metropolitan Area has significant impacts in the environment, for example: air, noise and water pollution; modification and occupation of land; and increased hazards.
What is being done to reduce the impact that Transportation has on the Environment? The proposed National Transportation Policy should enable better management of public transport. Studies have been carried out on public transport within the Metropolitan area. These studies should enable the rationalisation of public transport services and promote investment of funds in the transportation network which would decrease the impact that transportation has on the environment. The new Environmental Policy seeks to support the effective planning and management of a sustainable metropolitan transport system.