Many South Africans spend over 25% of their income on transport - study

702's Clement Manyathela speaks to Professor Rose Luke, a transport economist at the University of Johannesburg.

Listen below:

Whether you're commuting to work or getting the kids to school, transport costs play a huge role in our daily lives and our monthly budgets.

From rising fuel prices to public transport challenges, South Africans are facing an uphill battle.

In fact, recent data reveals that nearly 60% of Gauteng households spend more than the recommended 10% of their income on public transport.

Nationally, the situation is equally concerning with the latest Household Affordability Index indicating that the average worker allocates over 57% of their monthly earnings to transport and electricity combined.

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"I think we can safely say that our transport costs are very high, and too high."

- Professor Rose Luke, Transport Economist - University of Johannesburg

"If we are going to discuss costs, we must look at the state of infrastructure as well."

- Professor Rose Luke, Transport Economist - University of Johannesburg

Luke says most South Africans are spending more than the recommended 10% of their monthly income on transport costs.

"Some people have quoted an average of 16%, I know a lot of people are looking at 20-25%, and that's a lot of money and a huge portion of your income."

- Professor Rose Luke, Transport Economist - University of Johannesburg

Luke adds that these high transport costs have a huge impact on poorer households. She explains what is driving the increasing costs of transport.

"We have to have a look at fuel price volatility, the state of infrastructure, we can look at congestion."

- Professor Rose Luke, Transport Economist - University of Johannesburg

We should not ignore the fact that as South Africans, we have very long commuting distances, adds Luke.

"It comes from a long history of poor spacial planning."

- Professor Rose Luke, Transport Economist - University of Johannesburg

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Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.