IN-PERSON: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

Introduction: Apartheid has petrified the physical state of South African cities. Township-to-town has morphed into urban sprawl, with transport chasing development, negatively affecting cities’ sense of place. Cities can be expensive, dangerous and exhausting. Daily commutes are often circuitous or multi-modal, taking up to 3 hours to complete. Public transport passengers are captive; with fares as much as 40% of a monthly minimum wage, equivalent to $53. Urban and transport planning desperately need to change. Purpose: This paper examines ways of measuring transport accessibility within an urban environment. Considering accessibility from origin to destination, at the human scale of universal access to goods and services; a fundamental element is ‘the walking distance’. Problem statement and methodology: South Africa has a wide-ranging, rights-based Constitutional definition of equality, which includes disability equality; it conceptualises ‘freedom of movement’. The Authors selected the most relevant indices for this legal context, focusing on livability, the ‘15-minute city’, and universal design. Approach: Indices were applied to two urban scenarios: the route to Mamelodi township in Tshwane, Gauteng, and the city centre of Cape Town, Western Cape. Results: The Authors noticed a need for deeper discernment when applying indices; national standards and the statutory context are a precondition. They tested an extension tool, focused on a more detailed level of measurement. Conclusion: Indices are complex tools; unhelpful when superficially applied. Assumptions about city life may have socio-cultural implications or ignore national legislation. Nevertheless, indices focus the attention of planners on the quality of life of city residents.