Introduction: A Quarter-Century of Motion
In 2025, as we reflect on the past quarter-century, it becomes abundantly clear that the landscape of transportation has undergone a profound metamorphosis. From the bustling metropolises to the quietest rural routes, the way people and goods move has been reshaped by technological innovation, shifting societal needs, and an ever-growing awareness of environmental impact. This blog post will delve into the evolution of transport plans since 1990, examining how global trends, the rise of ride-hailing services, and innovative inner-city travel solutions have converged to redefine urban mobility. We will also cast a critical eye on Namibia's unique journey, using the recent discussions around Windhoek's urban transport modernisation as a lens to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The aim is not merely to chronicle change, but to interrogate the effectiveness of past strategies and propose actionable future steps towards a more sustainable and equitable transport future.
The Evolution of Transport: 1990-2025
The period from 1990 to 2025 marks a transformative era in global transportation. Driven by unprecedented economic growth, increasing globalisation, and rapid technological advancements, the movement of people and goods has expanded dramatically. This era has witnessed a significant surge in international trade, leading to an increased reliance on various modes of transport for freight, including road, rail, and sea. The interconnectedness of global supply chains has become a defining feature, with goods traversing vast distances at ever-increasing speeds.
Simultaneously, the world has experienced a rapid pace of urbanisation, placing immense pressure on existing urban transport infrastructures. Cities have grappled with escalating challenges such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and the urgent need for efficient mass transit systems. This has prompted a fundamental re-evaluation of public transport strategies, with many urban centers actively seeking innovative solutions to accommodate growing populations and mitigate environmental impact.
Technological innovation has been a cornerstone of this evolution. Significant strides have been made in vehicle technology, leading to the development of more fuel-efficient engines and the burgeoning rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Beyond individual vehicles, the integration of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) has become increasingly prevalent, utilising advanced technologies for traffic management, real-time information dissemination, and overall optimisation of transport networks.
Environmental concerns have also moved to the forefront of transport planning. A heightened awareness of climate change and its ramifications has spurred a global push towards sustainable transport solutions. This includes a concerted effort to promote public transport, encourage non-motorised transport (NMT) options like cycling and walking, and accelerate the development and adoption of low-emission vehicles. Despite these efforts, transport emissions, particularly from road transport, have continued to grow, underscoring the persistent challenge of achieving true sustainability in the sector.
Policy frameworks have adapted to these evolving dynamics, with a discernible shift towards fostering integrated, sustainable, and inclusive transport systems. This has manifested in substantial investments in public transport infrastructure, the implementation of road user charges, and various initiatives aimed at reducing over-reliance on private vehicles.
In Namibia, the post-independence period since 1990 has been characterised by a dedicated focus on developing its transport sector. The nation inherited a highly regulated system, and early reforms, including a White Paper on Transport Policy in the early 1990s, aimed to establish a more deregulated and efficient framework. A consistent emphasis has been placed on enhancing road infrastructure to facilitate regional connectivity and trade. The establishment of the Road Fund, financed by road user charges, has been instrumental in funding critical road maintenance and development projects.
Windhoek, as the capital, has been at the epicenter of urban transport planning in Namibia. The original content of this blog post highlighted the long-standing need for modernisation in Windhoek's urban transport. Our research confirms that the City of Windhoek has been actively developing and implementing a Sustainable Urban Transport Master Plan (SUTMP). This comprehensive plan is designed to create an efficient, affordable, equitable, safe, and convenient transport system for the city, encompassing investments in high-occupancy buses and the development of non-motorised transport infrastructure. Despite these commendable planning efforts, challenges persist, notably in securing adequate funding. Recent reports from 2025 indicate that substantial investment, estimated at N$5 billion, is still required to fully realise the SUTMP's objectives and effectively address traffic congestion. Furthermore, Namibia harbours ambitions to solidify its position as a key transport hub within the SADC region, leveraging its strategic geographical location and competitive advantages in logistics.
The Ride-Hailing Revolution: Reshaping Urban Mobility
The advent of ride-hailing services, spearheaded by companies like Uber and Lyft, has undeniably been one of the most significant disruptions to urban transportation in the 21st century. Emerging in the late 2000s, these platforms rapidly gained traction by leveraging the ubiquity of smartphones, GPS technology, and seamless digital payment systems to connect passengers with drivers. This innovative model offered an unprecedented level of convenience and accessibility, presenting a compelling alternative to traditional taxi services and fundamentally reshaping how people navigate urban environments.
Initially, the growth of ride-hailing was met with both enthusiasm and apprehension. Proponents lauded its ability to reduce reliance on private car ownership, provide flexible income opportunities, and enhance mobility options, particularly in areas underserved by public transport. However, the rapid expansion also brought forth a complex array of challenges. Concerns quickly arose regarding increased traffic congestion, particularly in central business districts, and the potential for reduced public transit ridership. Studies on the impact of ride-hailing have yielded mixed results, with some indicating that while these services might decrease private car ownership, they can paradoxically lead to an overall increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT)].
Beyond simply connecting riders with drivers, ride-hailing companies have continuously evolved their service offerings. Many have diversified into adjacent sectors, most notably food delivery (e.g., Uber Eats), and other logistics services, expanding their business models and further embedding themselves into the fabric of urban life. The industry continues to be a hotbed of innovation, with ongoing discussions and investments in autonomous vehicles and the integration of ride-hailing into broader Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms, which aim to provide a single, integrated platform for all urban transport needs.
In the Namibian context, particularly in Windhoek, the ride-hailing phenomenon has mirrored global trends, albeit with its own unique local flavour. While international giants like Uber and Bolt have either entered or are in the process of establishing a presence, local ride-hailing platforms such as LEFA and YANGO have carved out significant market share. These local players have been instrumental in introducing the convenience of app-based booking and cashless payments to the Namibian populace, offering a modern and often more reliable alternative to the traditional taxi system.
The emergence of these platforms has, predictably, sparked considerable debate and competition with existing traditional taxi services. This has led to ongoing discussions around the need for appropriate regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition, passenger safety, and equitable operating conditions for all transport providers. Despite these challenges, ride-hailing has undoubtedly enhanced urban mobility in Windhoek, providing greater accessibility and convenience for many residents.
Inner-City Travel Innovations: Beyond the Car
As urban populations continue to swell, cities worldwide are actively seeking innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges of inner-city travel. The traditional reliance on private vehicles has proven unsustainable, leading to chronic congestion, exacerbated air pollution, and a diminished quality of urban life. In response, a diverse array of inner-city travel innovations has emerged, aiming to create more efficient, sustainable, and equitable mobility ecosystems.
One of the most prominent trends in this space is the rise of micro-mobility. This category encompasses a variety of small, lightweight vehicles, most notably shared e-scooters and bicycles. These modes have rapidly gained popularity, particularly for short-distance trips, offering a flexible and environmentally friendly alternative to cars for the crucial 'first and last mile' of a journey. The market for e-scooter sharing, for instance, is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years, reflecting a broader shift in urban commuting habits. While micro-mobility offers significant benefits in reducing emissions and congestion, its successful integration requires dedicated infrastructure, such as bike lanes, and robust regulatory frameworks to manage parking and ensure user safety.
Beyond individual modes, the concept of Smart City Transport Initiatives has taken center stage. These initiatives leverage cutting-edge technology and data analytics to optimise urban mobility systems. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are a core component, utilising sensors, cameras, and real-time data to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety. Examples include adaptive traffic signals that respond to real-time conditions, and smart parking solutions that guide drivers to available spaces, minimising cruising time and associated emissions.
A key aspiration of smart city transport is the development of Integrated Mobility Platforms, often referred to as Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). MaaS platforms aim to seamlessly integrate various transport modes—from public transit and ride-hailing to micro-mobility and car-sharing—into a single, user-friendly application. This allows commuters to plan, book, and pay for multi-modal journeys with unprecedented ease, encouraging a shift away from private car ownership by offering convenient alternatives. The overarching goal of these smart initiatives is to foster sustainable transport options, including electric vehicles and shared mobility, thereby reducing urban emissions and improving overall air quality.
In the broader African context, cities are grappling with rapid urbanisation and are increasingly adopting innovative transport solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. Digital transformation is a significant enabler, with technology playing a pivotal role in making transport services more accessible, affordable, and reliable. This includes the implementation of mobile-based fare collection systems, real-time tracking of public transport vehicles, and digital platforms that streamline logistics.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are also gaining traction across the continent. These high-capacity public transport systems, often operating on dedicated lanes, offer efficient and reliable mass transit, addressing the growing demand for urban mobility. Furthermore, there's a concerted effort to formalise and integrate the often-informal transport sectors prevalent in many African cities, leveraging technology and data to improve their efficiency and safety. The push towards e-mobility is also evident, with a growing interest in electric vehicles and associated infrastructure to combat air pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
For Windhoek, there is a call for modernised public transport that aligns perfectly with these global and African trends. The city's Sustainable Urban Transport Master Plan (SUTMP) explicitly aims to foster non-motorised transport and has already seen the introduction of new buses and cashless payment systems. While micro-mobility, such as e-bikes, is still in its nascent stages compared to some global counterparts, initiatives like EBIKES4AFRICA demonstrate a clear commitment to exploring and integrating such sustainable options into the city's transport fabric. The ongoing efforts reflect a strategic move towards a more integrated, efficient, and environmentally conscious urban mobility system for Windhoek.
Namibia's Journey: A Case Study in Progress and Potential
Namibia's transport narrative since 1990 is a compelling case study of a nation striving to modernise its infrastructure and services in the face of rapid urbanisation and evolving mobility demands. The City of Windhoek's efforts to modernise its urban transport plan are long overdue, yet indicative of a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. The journey has been marked by significant policy shifts, infrastructure development, and the recent integration of digital innovations.
Post-independence, Namibia embarked on a path to reform a transport sector that was previously highly regulated and benefited only a select few. The early 1990s saw the formulation of a White Paper on Transport Policy, laying the groundwork for a more deregulated and efficient system. This foundational policy emphasised the development of robust road infrastructure, crucial for connecting the vast country and facilitating trade. The establishment of the Road Fund, sustained by road user charges, has been a vital mechanism for financing the maintenance and expansion of this critical network.
Windhoek, as the capital and economic hub, has naturally been the focal point for urban transport planning. The outdated public bus service, rooted in an apartheid-era model, underscores the historical challenges. This system primarily served low-cost townships, providing transport to the CBD and high-cost suburbs during peak hours, neglecting comprehensive city-wide coverage. The need for a modernised, affordable, and reliable public transport system that serves all areas of the city, with published timetables and dedicated bus lanes, was a key aspiration articulated in the original piece. Our research confirms that the City of Windhoek has been actively pursuing this vision through its Sustainable Urban Transport Master Plan (SUTMP). This plan aims to create an efficient, affordable, equitable, safe, and convenient transport system, with investments in high-occupancy buses and non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure. The 'MoveWindhoek' project, a Namibian-German collaboration, is a testament to these efforts, focusing on implementing a modern public bus system. Recent reports in 2025 indicate that the full implementation of the SUTMP requires substantial investment, estimated at N$5 billion, highlighting the financial commitment needed to realize these ambitious goals.
The emergence of ride-hailing services has added another layer to Namibia's transport landscape. While global players like YANGO have made inroads, local platforms such as LEFA and Namride have become prominent, offering convenient, app-based alternatives to traditional taxis. These services have addressed some of the issues regarding the lack of clear indications for taxi destinations and the need for more consumer-oriented services. The competition between traditional taxis and ride-hailing platforms has also spurred discussions on regulation and ensuring a level playing field, a common theme globally as these new models disrupt established industries.
Micro-mobility, though less prevalent than in some other global cities, is also beginning to find its place in Windhoek's urban mobility strategy. Initiatives like EBIKES4AFRICA, which introduces solar-powered e-bikes, demonstrate a commitment to exploring sustainable, non-motorised transport options, aligning with the SUTMP's broader goals.
Namibia's ambition to become a transport hub for the SADC region further shapes its transport development. This vision necessitates continuous investment in modern transport infrastructure and efficient logistics, ensuring the country can leverage its strategic geographical position. The journey since 1990 has been one of significant progress, moving from a legacy system to a more integrated and technologically driven approach. However, there remains a considerable gap between aspiration and full realisation, particularly in areas like comprehensive public bus services and the integration of diverse transport modes.
The Path Forward: Future Actions for Sustainable Mobility
The journey of transport evolution from 1990 to 2025 reveals a complex interplay of progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities. As we look towards the future, particularly in the context of urban centers like Windhoek, a clear set of actions is needed to foster truly sustainable, equitable, and efficient mobility systems. These actions must build upon past lessons, embrace technological advancements, and prioritize the needs of all citizens.
1. Prioritise and Invest in Integrated Public Transport: The cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility remains a robust, accessible, and affordable public transport system. For Windhoek, this means fully realising the vision of the Sustainable Urban Transport Master Plan (SUTMP). This includes:
- Expanding and Modernising Bus Networks:Moving beyond the legacy system to a comprehensive network with published timetables, real-time tracking, and dedicated bus lanes where feasible. The current efforts to introduce new buses and cashless payment systems are positive steps, but the network needs to cover all areas of the city, not just traditional routes .
- Exploring Mass Transit Options: While an inner-city train service might seem like a distant dream, exploring viable mass transit options like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or light rail for high-demand corridors should remain on the long-term agenda. BRT, in particular, has proven successful in many African cities for its efficiency and relatively lower cost compared to rail.
- Integrated Ticketing and Information Systems: Developing a seamless system that allows users to pay for and access various modes of transport (buses, ride-hailing, micro-mobility) through a single platform will significantly enhance convenience and encourage public transport use.
2. Regulate and Integrate Ride-Hailing and Micro-Mobility: The rapid growth of ride-hailing and micro-mobility services presents both opportunities and challenges. Future actions should focus on:
- Fair and Equitable Regulation: Establishing clear regulatory frameworks that ensure fair competition between traditional taxis and ride-hailing services, protect driver and passenger rights, and address issues of pricing and service quality. This also includes ensuring that these services contribute equitably to urban infrastructure and public transport funding.
- Data Sharing and Collaboration: Encouraging data sharing between private mobility providers and city authorities to gain insights into travel patterns, identify service gaps, and inform urban planning decisions. Collaborative efforts can lead to better integration of these services with public transport, serving as effective first-mile/last-mile solutions.
- Infrastructure for Micro-Mobility: Investing in safe and dedicated infrastructure for micro-mobility, such as cycling lanes and e-scooter parking zones, is crucial to maximise their benefits and minimise conflicts with pedestrians and other road users.
3. Embrace Smart City Technologies for Transport Management: Leveraging technology is paramount for optimising urban transport systems. Future actions should include:
- Advanced Traffic Management Systems: Implementing intelligent traffic lights, real-time traffic monitoring, and predictive analytics to reduce congestion, optimize flow, and improve journey times.
- Smart Parking Solutions: Deploying smart parking technologies that guide drivers to available spaces, reducing cruising time and associated emissions.
- Real-time Passenger Information: Providing accurate, real-time information on public transport schedules, delays, and alternative routes through mobile applications and digital displays to enhance the passenger experience.
4. Promote Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) and Active Mobility: Encouraging walking and cycling is vital for sustainable and healthy cities. This requires:
- Safe and Connected Pedestrian and Cycling Networks: Investing in well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated cycling paths that are safe, well-lit, and connected to key destinations and public transport hubs.
- Urban Planning for Walkability and Cyclability: Designing urban spaces that prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, with mixed-use developments that reduce the need for long-distance motorised travel.
5. Foster Sustainable Funding Mechanisms: Sustainable transport requires sustainable funding. Actions include:
- Diversifying Funding Sources: Moving beyond traditional government subsidies to explore innovative funding mechanisms, such as dedicated urban mobility funds, public-private partnerships, and congestion charges or levies on private vehicle use and parking.
- Transparent Allocation: Ensuring that funds collected from transport-related charges are transparently allocated back into improving public transport infrastructure and services.
6. Capacity Building and Public Engagement: Effective transport planning and implementation require skilled professionals and informed citizens. This means:
- Investing in Human Capital: Training and developing local expertise in urban transport planning, engineering, and data analytics.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the benefits of sustainable transport modes and encouraging behavioural shifts towards more environmentally friendly travel choices.
- Consultation and Participation: Ensuring continuous consultation with consumers, transport operators, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of transport initiatives.
By proactively addressing these areas, cities like Windhoek can build resilient, efficient, and inclusive transport systems that not only meet the demands of a growing population but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban future.
Conclusion: Navigating Towards a Connected Future
The journey of urban transport from 1990 to 2025 has been one of dynamic transformation, marked by technological leaps, shifting societal priorities, and an increasing recognition of environmental imperatives. From the traditional taxi systems of the early 90s to the ubiquitous ride-hailing apps and burgeoning micro-mobility options of today, our cities are constantly adapting to new ways of moving. Namibia, and particularly its capital Windhoek, stands as a microcosm of this global evolution, grappling with the legacy of past planning while striving to embrace a more sustainable and integrated future.
There is a pressing need for modernisation in Windhoek's transport system. Our interrogation of transport plans since 1990, enriched by insights into global trends and the rise of new mobility services, reinforces that need. The vision for 2025 and beyond is clear: a transport system that is not only efficient and affordable but also equitable, safe, and environmentally conscious. This requires a concerted effort to invest in public transport, intelligently integrate ride-hailing and micro-mobility, leverage smart city technologies, promote active modes of travel, and secure sustainable funding.
The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. By learning from the past, embracing innovation, and fostering collaborative planning that genuinely consults with consumers and stakeholders, cities like Windhoek can indeed navigate towards a future where mobility is a right, not a privilege, and where every journey contributes to a healthier, more connected urban environment. The road ahead is long, but with foresight and commitment, the destination of sustainable urban mobility is within reach.
