With the first phases of the bus rapid transport (BRT) system up and running, the City of Ekurhuleni is looking at further extensions to the existing routes.
The system, known as Harambee, has been extended from Tembisa to OR Tambo International Airport and the metro is now at the point of extending it to East Rand Mall, said executive mayor Mzwandile Masina during his State of the City (SOCA) address in Germiston on March 27.
“We have also started the process of seeking to construct eight bus stations. The supply and installation of road lighting of the Integrated Public Transport Network System (IRPTN) are also underway. The next phases stretching from Kempton Park to Boksburg Civic Centre, and from Boksburg Civic Centre to Vosloorus Hospital, will be operating by the end of the coming financial year,” said Masina.
“In our commitment of a transformed public transport, we have analysed the overall public transport system which seemed to be fragmented and disintegrated. We came up with plans to develop an all-inclusive and integrated public transport network system wherein all land transport modes, namely trains, buses and minibus taxis, will be integrated into operations.
“Our relationship with the Ekurhuleni Taxi Industry is cordial and has made it possible for the City to implement its public transport transformation programme. Engagements with the industry are ongoing,” added Masina.
The already implemented BRT system will form the basis of a 20-year integrated public transport network plan which is being developed. Focus is more on maximising the operations of existing infrastructure as compared to only providing dedicated public transport infrastructure as it is with the BRT system.
IPTN will enable for a much more capital cost-effective and rapid roll-out of the system which seeks to advocate:
• An integrated ticketing system (different land public transport modes).
• Park and ride facilities.
• Car sharing among road users.
• Public transport along key strategic nodes.
• Transfer nodes along the network.
“Though the project has, over the years, experienced significant delays, there is now significant progress being made. We are concluding the testing phase of the Euro Master Visa (EMV) ticketing system card for roll-out by the end of the year. The ticket will enable users to do periodic loading of funds for easy travelling and efficient budgeting by commuters,” said Masina.
