ABSTRACT
Public participation has evolved, emphasizing the need for meaningful engagement between authorities and the public in sustainable transport infrastructure projects. However, power imbalances still hinder public participation processes. This paper examines factors influencing public participation in the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and explores its impact on project sustainability. Quantitative data, analyzed using statistica, reveals that limited meaningful public participation resulted in public opposition to GFIP tolling and non-compliance with payments. The paper concludes that statutory requirements alone fail to generate public support during project implementation. It recommends developing a comprehensive public participation framework to facilitate effective engagement between authorities and the public, promoting sustainable transport infrastructure. Future research should assess public participation processes from project conceptualization rather than solely post-implementation evaluation.
