Paper short abstract:

Based on the perspectives of Metrorail users in the Western Cape, South Africa we use the Motility framework to examine how poverty and inequality intersect with mobility access and what that means for sustainable mobility and mobility theory in Africa.

Paper long abstract:

There are many reasons why public transport in general, and trains in particular, are central to developing sustainable cities. They have a reduced carbon footprint, alleviate road congestion, and provide increased safety for passengers. In theory, they are convenient, accessible, and affordable, and they often form the core of sustainable mobility policies. Many African cities, however, are characterized by inequality, poverty, and exclusion, and train systems are poorly developed and maintained - if present at all. How does sustainable mobility apply to such contexts? In this study, we analyse the perspectives and imaginaries of Metrorail users in the Western Cape of South Africa, drawing on the Motility framework. Based on 30 interviews with Metrorail users, we explore how they experience access to mobility systems. We outline various interrelated service, infrastructure, and human-related challenges associated with accessing mobility options to examine how these contribute to shaping the boundaries of exclusion and mobility. By exploring how perspectives and imaginaries on mobility options in general, and trains in particular, connect to notions of sustainable mobility, we challenge well-established theories embedded in this field. In doing so, we aim to contribute to context-specific and culture-relevant research on sustainable mobility in Africa.