In the realm of sustainable cities, the digital revolution has brought forward the ethical integration of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and human behaviour. The rapid introduction and development of digital technologies have provided exceptional opportunities to enhance and develop smart cities globally. The chapter adopts a case study research design and applies a mixed methods research approach where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through interviews with key and relevant stakeholders as well as observations of the current transportation systems in within the City of Johannesburg. Preliminary findings reveal that the existing transportation within the City of Johannesburg is multifaced with overarching challenges, including traffic congestion and environmental pollution. The chapter ends by proposing a smart mobility planning and governance framework for the integration of 4IR into the city's transportation infrastructure which is coined to enhance sustainable mobility within the CoJ.
Top1. Introduction
In the digital age characterized by rapid technological improvements, the 4IR has significantly emerged as a robust force to reshape and transform economies, societies, and industries globally (Moll, 2022). Within this perspective, global cities are embracing the new paradigm of innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges that are vigorously posed by urbanization, transportation, and environmental degradation, therefore, there is an urgent call for sustainable development (Rainnie & Dean, 2020). Undoubtedly, the City of Johannesburg is the effervescent and economic hub of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, the city is a prime example of a well-established city in Africa, that is grappling with the strains of urbanization with endeavours to enhance the quality of life for its diverse population through the various disciplines of practice including urban planning. Due to the mass of the private motor vehicle, the City of Johannesburg is mostly challenged with traffic congestion, and air and noise pollution (Ndebele, 2018). CoJ has been experiencing burgeoning urban challenges including a proliferate and rapidly expanding population. The city is at a spotlight of a critical juncture, where it calls for the adoption of relevant 4IR technologies to craft the way for a more efficacy, sustainable, and environmentally conscious urban mobility landscape (Risimati & Gumbo, 2018). The City of Johannesburg is venturing into a vibrant journey of becoming a sustainable and smart city, with the waves of 4IR technologies, and the integration of these technologies into the arena of transportation infrastructure, the city can explore the avenues for enhancing sustainable mobility, foster socio-economic growth and alleviate environmental impact.
Consequently, this study aims to explore the potential pathways propounded by the 4IR technologies in transforming and shaping sustainable and smart cities, crystalized within the vicinity of the City of Johannesburg and its transportation system. It explores the investigation of intelligent transport systems (ITS) powered by the 4IR technologies including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and connectivity solutions. With that being said, this paper aims to shed light on the transformative impact of the City of Johannesburg’s transportation ecosystem. Therefore, this paper starts by providing an insightful conceptual synopsis of the 4IR technologies-driven intelligent transport systems. This paper also identifies the various public transport modes available in the City of Johannesburg Central Business. Moreover, this paper submits that the interconnection of public transport in the City of Johannesburg enhances the traveling safety and reliability of public transport. On the other hand, making trips faster while safe. Consequently, this chapter ends by proposing a holistic smart mobility planning and governance framework for the integration of 4IR into the city’s transportation infrastructure.