Centre aims to complete Lois Avenue minibus taxi stop project by end of June

A contractor has been appointed by property company Pareto to soon resume the project for the conversion of the minibus taxi stop at the Menlyn shopping centre.

The project is being undertaken to control the number of minibus taxis in and around Lois Avenue.

Marketing manager Andrea van Schoor said the team is committed to completing the project on time.

“We aim to complete and make the project operational within the first half of 2024,” Van Schoor said.

The Lois Avenue project includes setting up and building a fixed minibus taxi stop and arrival and departure area on the P1 parkade level.

The parking level will also be refurbished to accommodate the new stop and its extensions.

There is parking space for 138 minibus taxis.

During the second phase of the project, the area on Lois Avenue in the western part of the centre will be upgraded.

Two taxi associations will run the day-to-day operational management of the taxi stop.

According to Van Schoor, the key to the successful management of the completed project ahead is the operational coordination of the completed taxi stop.

For this, a few provisions apply, such as minibus taxi drivers only using the loading facilities on Lois Avenue during peak hours.

This measure is being put in place to keep the pedestrian entrances free of loiterers.

Additionally, the shoppers’ entrance road on Lois Avenue is being adapted to accommodate a lane specifically for minibus taxis.

This is being implemented to improve the flow of traffic.

Pareto Group CEO, Malose Kekana, said the project represents a mind shift in how the public and private sector can work together.

“Our commitment to the goals of our co-stakeholders is a priority,” said Kekana.

The budget for the project’s execution has not been announced.

According to Van Schoor, over a million shoppers, and general and retail staff access the centre every month.

She explained that the conceptualisation and execution of the project are the result of collaboration between the centre, Tshwane metro, Menlyn Taxi Association and Mamelodi United Taxi Association.

She stressed that the initiative aims to establish a safe, efficient and respectful environment.

“The project will improve traffic flow and offer passengers dignity-focused facilities, such as toilets and bathrooms,” Van Schoor explained.

The road itself will also be improved with the moving of dealers’ stalls and the improvement of the gardens and landscape around the centre.

She stressed the importance of the metro’s role.

“Its involvement and expertise in the planning aspects are irreplaceable. Its continued support is of critical importance,” she explained.

Van Schoor pointed out that continued conversations and negotiations with the taxi associations are vital to streamlining the strategic goals of all the role players.

The project also includes facilities for minibus taxi owners to wash their vehicles, an administration office for drivers, food stalls, a rest area and toilet facilities.

Van Schoor confirmed that tenants of the shopping centre have been informed about the project and the developments involved.

Shoppers will be informed in detail in due course.

“The tenants are excited about the project and are anticipating its commissioning,” Van Schoor emphasised.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro was happy with the provisions of the collaboration agreement and how it is being executed.

“The project will improve traffic flow in future considering that the street will not be used as a stop anymore,” Mashigo said.

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