By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A new index shows that South Africa has the cheapest transport in the world, with biggest cities still continuing to fight an increasingly burdensome tolling system on its roads.
The Transportation Price Index, compiled by GoEuro.com, looks at train, bus and flight information for 51 countries across 5 continents, and ranks them by cost per kilometre (or per 100 kilometres, with flights).
GoEuro reviewed the modes of transport in each country, using factors such as distance, schedules, and taxes among all transport options.
Countries were then graded based on the most commonly traveled routes both regionally and inter city by kilometer, based only on the modes of transport available within that country.
There is one caveat, however: numbers in the index have not been weighted against GDP per capita or PPP of the countries involved, therefore the results do not reflect wages, infrastructure or quality in the transport industry.
Trains
South Africa topped the list for cheapest train prices in the world, with an average spend of $1.88 (R20.02) per 100 kilometres.
Denmark had the most expensive train fare – charging $39.84 (R424.28) per 100 kilometres.
“Train prices can vary greatly depending on the type of train and the distance of the ride; we accounted for train speed, regional vs long distance, and different class services,” GoEuro said.
Buses
Results on buses were based on taxes, cost per Kilometer (comparing several companies offering city to city service) and the costs of gasoline/Diesel vs other combustibles including renewables.
South Africa ranked with the 5th cheapest bus fees at $3.67 (R39.08) per 100km. Egypt was the cheapest – $1.88 (R20.02) per kilometre – while the Netherlands was the costliest at $28.58 (R304.37) per 100km.
Flights
Flight prices were based on the cheapest regular flights between the most populous cities in each country and then calculated the average price per 100km.
South Africa ranked with the 3rd cheapest flights in the world, with an average cost per 100km at $11.63 (R123.86).
India listed with the cheapest flights – $10.36 (R110.33) per 100km – while Finland had the most expensive flights – $138.90 (R1,479.24) per 100km.