Metro completes R480 Wonderboom intermodal facility, opening remains uncertain

After years of missed deadlines, revised completion dates and repeated assurances that the long-awaited Rainbow Junction development was almost ready, commuters in Pretoria North are still waiting to use the R480-million Wonderboom Intermodal Facility.

While the Tshwane Metro now says construction of the facility has finally been completed, there is still no confirmed opening date, with the metro citing outstanding statutory processes and operational readiness before the transport hub can welcome its first commuters.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that all construction activities at the Wonderboom Intermodal Facility have now been finalised.

“All construction activities for the Wonderboom Intermodal Facility have been completed,” said Mashigo.

He said the snag-list items that previously delayed completion have now been resolved.

“The snag-list items have been completed. As indicated, all construction activities have now been finalised.”

However, despite construction being complete, the facility will not open immediately.

Mashigo explained that the remaining work relates to the commissioning of certain equipment.

The metro has also stopped short of providing a date for when commuters will finally be able to use the long-awaited transport hub.

“The opening date is dependent on the completion of the remaining statutory processes and operational readiness activities. A confirmed opening date will be communicated by the implementing department once these processes have been finalised,” he said.

Mashigo added that while the construction phase has been completed, statutory approvals still need to be concluded before the facility can open to the public.

The latest update comes just two months after the metro previously informed Rekord that all major construction activities had been completed and that the remaining snag-list items were expected to be finalised by the end of April 2026.

At that time, Mashigo said the facility would open in stages, with the park-and-ride facility being prioritised before the full intermodal hub became operational.

Previously, he also confirmed that the lifts and escalators had already been completed and commissioned and were awaiting the opening of the facility.

The Wonderboom Intermodal Facility forms the heart of the Rainbow Junction development, a 140-hectare transit-oriented development that was previously described by the metro as one of Tshwane’s Strategic Urban Development projects.

The metro said the development would connect the townships of Ga-Rankuwa, Soshanguve, Mabopane, and Hammanskraal with Pretoria’s central business district through an integrated transport network combining A Re Yeng buses, taxis and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa rail services.

Resident Sebenzile Gomba, who frequently travels to Menlyn for work, previously told Rekord that she currently parks her car in an open field near the Hector Peterson bus station before catching an A Re Yeng bus because it is more affordable than other transport options.

“I normally leave my car on the open field next to the Hector Peterson bus station and then take the A Re Yeng bus to Menlyn because it’s cheaper,” she said.

The development also includes plans for residential neighbourhoods, retail centres, hotels, schools and conference facilities surrounding the transport hub.

Mashigo said the completed facility is expected to become one of Tshwane’s largest integrated public transport hubs.

It is projected to accommodate approximately 5 200 commuters during peak hour and has been designed to cater for up to 15 000 passengers per day across all transport modes, including buses, taxis, rail, private vehicles, and non-motorised transport.

He added that the project would also support the broader Rainbow Junction mixed-use development by improving accessibility, stimulating investment, creating employment opportunities, and promoting transit-oriented development in Pretoria North.

The metro also revealed that the total cost of the Rainbow Junction project has reached approximately R480-million.

“Any additional expenditure arising from project delays was managed in accordance with the applicable contractual provisions,” said Mashigo.

He confirmed that contractual penalties were imposed where applicable during construction.

“Where applicable, contractual penalties were imposed in accordance with the contract provisions. As the construction works have now been completed, no further penalties are applicable.”

Responding to concerns from residents frustrated by years of shifting deadlines, Mashigo acknowledged the public’s patience.

“Once operational, the Wonderboom Intermodal Facility will provide a safe, modern and integrated public transport environment that improves connectivity between different transport modes and enhances the overall commuter experience.”

For commuters such as those who currently leave their vehicles at informal parking areas near the Hector Peterson bus station before catching an A Re Yeng bus to work, the wait continues.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel