Phase one of East Rand Mall Taxi Rank upgrade nears completion

The first phase of the East Rand Mall taxi rank upgrade will soon be completed.

According to mall management, the upgrade has been prompted by the steady increase of mall-goers over the years.
Construction work to give the facility a multimillion-rand facelift has been ongoing over the past few months.
The mall, however, pointed out the eagerly awaited project was delayed due to lockdown.

The two-phase R12-million modernisation of the rank is the final element of the 68 400sqm regional mall’s recent major upgrade programme and is done by mall co-owners Vukile Property Fund and Redefine Properties.
The aim is to bring this vital amenity in line with the experience of the mall for the thousands of commuters who depend on this mode of transport.

Phase one
The first phase of the refurbishment features resurfaced roadways, new islands and fresh markings. A new wash bay area has also been integrated. The ablution block received a major refresh. Vibrant splashes of red, orange and yellow bring its walls to life. More natural light brightens the building’s interior, which features colour blocks on its new epoxy floors.

Phase two
The second phase, which is scheduled to take place between August and October, will introduce further improvements and add elements designed to activate the rank’ retail complement.

Looking great
“We are proud to be working with our owners, the rank’s taxi associations, the metro and our customers and communities to create a bright, modern space that supports a more enjoyable trip,” said East Rand Mall GM Petra Foord.
“The taxi rank’s customers are our customers. They work in our stores and nearby businesses and live in our neighbourhood. We are pleased to create a more positive experience for all who make up the East Rand Mall eco-system.

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“The first phase of the new rank is already looking great and is providing a quality experience that complements that of the mall.
“We believe it will mean a lot for our customer. This upgrade has the potential to attract even more customers to the rank and the mall.”

Vital public amenity
East Rand Mall Taxi Rank consists of two sections, one for local commuters and the other for cross-border travellers.

It has grown to become a public transport landmark in the area, as it serves the mall, employees of the mall’s tenants and surrounding businesses, and links to destinations near and far.

The general rank serves no less than a 5km radius via three associations, namely VBTA, Boksburg District and Reiger Park.

It is 8.4km from Dunswart, the main regional rank that interlinks all destinations on the East Rand. It easily connects customers to 15 destinations in a radius ranging from 27km up to 49km. These include Tsakani, Vosloorus, Katlehong, Kempton Park, Reiger Park, Daveyton, Thokoza, Thembisa, Johannesburg, Germiston, Ivory Park, Dunswart, Wattville, Springs and Boksburg.

It is also the main pick-up point for commuters travelling to Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe from the cross-border rank with the Boksburg Cross Border Taxi Association, which offers journeys ranging from 500km to 5 000km.

Also Read: East Rand Mall taxi rank gets a facelift