This was revealed at the Go Durban! brand launch at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Friday, 1 November which was attended by eThekwini mayor, James Nxumalo, KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, deputy mayor, Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, city Manager, S’bu Sithole and head of eThekwini Transport Authority, Thami Manyathi.
Initially citizens will see the development of public transport linkages between Bridge City, Durban central, Pinetown, Umlazi and Umhlanga. Toti is excluded in the initial phases and no new station is planned for the South Coast town.
The aim is to provide seamless transfers across transport modes by using electronic ticketing across nine transport corridors linked by bus, trains and taxis by 2027. Corridors have been selected by the number of passengers they will provide.
“Go Durban! is aimed at providing affordable and accessible public transport to eThekwini citizens and to not only connect different areas around the city, but also to provide transport services to areas which have previously not been serviced, to fully incorporate a sense of community in the city,” said eThekwini mayor, James Nxumalo at the launch.
Go Durban! will boast an upgraded transport fleet, facilities, stops and stations, extended hours of operation (16 to 24 hours), full universal access with regards to special needs and wheelchair access and safe and secure operations monitored by a control centre.
Phase one, which began a month ago, is expected to be completed by 2018, at a cost of R11-billion.
eThekwini Transport Authority head, Thami Manyathi said the city would foot R20-billion of the bill and the Passenger Rail Agency of SA would cover the rest.
Phase one will comprise three bus routes from Bridge City to the Durban CBD, Bridge City to Pinetown and Bridge City to Umhlanga Corridor, and one rail corridor from Bridge City and KwaMashu via Berea Road to Umlazi and Isipingo.
“The first areas to benefit exclude the Toti area, but it does include Isipingo and Umlazi which are on our borders,” said Sapphire Coast Toti Tourism chairman, Jacques van Schalkwyk. “It is unfortunate we are not in the initial phase, but what is important is that it is happening. There is a need for a better transport system in our area, so I encourage members of the public who would like to get involved and initiate a plan of action, to email me at chairman@totitourism.co.za.”
Durban South Business Forum chairman, Charmaine Roodt declined to comment until she had more information on the matter.
