Debate on BRT route still ongoing
Extension plans for the BRT system through Pretoria North still not in place due to ongoing debate.
Final plans for the extension of Tshwane’s R2.6 billion Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system through Pretoria North to the Garankuwa area are still not in place as there is still an ongoing debate about the exact route to be followed.
The BRT system, known as A Re Yeng, forms part of the city’s revitalisation project and when completed, will consist of some 80km of dedicated bus lanes and 62 stations that will run from Mabopane in the north-west through the Pretoria CBD, Hatfield, past Menlyn and the Silver Lakes area to Mamelodi.
Starting in Hatfield towards the CBD, the first phase of the system has been fully operational since December 2014.
According to Democratic Alliance (DA) ward councillor Ben Wannenburg there are currently two proposals in the metro’s planning for the northern route of the BRT. The one would be to change the current two-way main street Rachel De Beer into a one-way from east to west. The other option is to reserve two lanes of Gerrit Maritz Street for the BRT busses from east to west and from west to east.
“Small business owners in Rachel De Beer Street are worried they might have to shut their doors because the construction of the BRT will have a negative effect on their businesses. Other residents openly welcome the new BRT system because it will enhance their quality of life,” said Wannenburg. He stressed it was crucial that the decision about a route should be taken soon because the estimated date for the completed route had been the end of 2014.
Wannenburg said after numerous negotiations, the first alternative seemed to be the most likely to materialise. “The new BRT system is a fantastic way to upgrade the north which has been on the cards for the past 20 years. Inadequate planning of roads in the north has hampered growth and development of the area, especially Pretoria North,” said Wannenburg.
DA ward councillor Dana Wannenburg said although the BRT system was a time consuming and expensive process, the BRT will improve traffic congestion and other problems tremendously. An estimated 180 busses and 120 taxis will be available to the public at the new BRT station to be built next to Paul Kruger Street, across the Wonderboom station in the north of Pretoria and will be ready for use at the end of June 2017.
Wannenburg said he was excited about the completion of this multi-billion Rand project as it would enhance the lives of many commuters to reach their destinations much quicker and with much more convenience. “The BRT system will also be linked to the provincial railway system such as the Gautrain. Less new roads will be built in future due to the high cost of infrastructure and because more vehicles on the city’s roads create more problems,” said Wannenburg.
According to Tshwane mayoral spokesperson Blessing Manale, the public transport infrastructure budget for the project has been granted for the next five years.
Manale said the BRT system commitment until the end of March 2016 was as follows: Akasia Feeder line will be completed by the end of November 2015, the temporary stop at Wonderboom will be completed at the end of November 2015 and the Sefako Makgatho complimentary line will be completed at the end of November 2015.
Manale said by 2017, Kopanong station will be completed and the Rainbow Junction at the end of June 2017.
Also read:
Station to Church Square soon part of BRT
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