Real improvements promised for Marabastad and Mabopane commuters
"Within six months I also want to see significant improvements in the conditions and operations of major intermodal public transport nodes such as Mabopane station, Marabastad and Park Station.”
Gauteng premier has expressed sadness at the conditions at the Marabastad and Mabopane inter-modal public transport nodes.
David Makhura said he would like to see “real improvements” in these areas within 12 months.
“In addition, within six months, I also want to see significant improvements in the conditions and operations of major inter-modal public transport nodes such as Mabopane station, Marabastad and Park station.
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Makhura says there is a need for an effective public transport. He says within six months he wants to see significant improvements in the conditions and operations at Mabopane station, Marabastad, Park Station, Bree, Germiston Station and Vereeniging Taxi Rank #GPSOPA19
— Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (@GPDRT_) July 1, 2019
“I have received many bitter complaints from citizens about problems in our public transport system,” said Makhura.
He said his office now planned to improve these conditions.
He said MEC Jacob Mamabolo, would present a public transport service delivery improvement plan to the executive council within the first 100 days of office.
Makhura said the improvement plan would have clear targets and budget for the entire term of office.
“This plan will be discussed with national and local government as well as public transport stakeholders within 200 days.
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“We are very determined to improve public transport services during this term of office by optimising and integrating all transport modes in Gauteng – taxis, buses, metrorail and the Gautrain.”
This comes after Tshwane metro mayor Stevens Mokgalapa opened the Kopanong and Mabopane inter-modal taxi and bus rank earlier this year.
Construction of the rank began in 2014 with a budget of R47.7-million, and was used by more than 50 000 passengers weekly. It was originally expected to be completed by September 2016.
There shelters for taxis and buses, hawker stalls, a new block of toilets and paved walkways.
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“The site was developed as an inter-modal public transportation point aimed at allowing access for residents to distant employment opportunities,” he said.
“It has the potential to become an economic node in its own right and create employment opportunities proximate to the existing living environment.”
The metro said commuters found it very difficult to wait for transport without shelters, “so we are playing an active role in tackling this issue”.
R22.5-million was recently allocated to complete the facility.
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Mokgalapa said public transportation systems benefited individuals, communities and the local economy.
The rank will also play a major role in creating less stress for commuters.
“Addressing transport efficiency will contribute towards economic growth and create global competitiveness,” he said.
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