Bluff not part of city’s Go Durban! transport plan

The Bluff has been omitted from eThekwini Municipality’s integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) that aims to provide a flexible, safe, cost effective, seamless transport system at a cost of R22-billion.

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.

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.

“Any attempt to improve the transport system is welcome and this must include more trains and stations, rail sidings and rail lines developed as a matter of priority in the community of South Durban,” said SDCEA chairman, Desmond D’Sa.

“We will welcome this investment if it also includes the removal of goods, both hazardous and otherwise and move to rail. This means that government must develop plans for the improvement of the rail network. The buses that transport people daily must be improved and operated by government.

We need strong enforcement of the bylaws as this causes the havoc of trucks and minibus taxis on our roads. At the moment thousands of commuters’ lives are at risk daily through dangerous trucking on our roads.

We are concerned that under this development disguise, the government will build freight routes that can lead to residents losing their homes and their quality of life and well-being.

We have seen the law does not act in the interest of society, rather in the interest of those who derive profits. Communities of South Durban have long called for an integrated transport approach and have called for a public transport system that looks at safety and security.”