An artist’s impression of the proposed upgrade of the Nyanga Public Transport Interchange on the corner of Emms Drive and Sithandatu Avenue. Picture: Supplied
Cape Town - The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is calling on Nyanga and neighbouring communities’ residents to join its officials at an open day to discuss plans for the Nyanga Public Transport Interchange (PTI).
Urban mobility Mayco member Rob Quintas made the call yesterday, saying residents needed to attend the open day as the City intends to inform the local communities of exactly how it plans to tackle the project and improve the overall commuting experience.
The Nyanga PTI open day will take place on November 9 at the Zolani Recreation Centre, corner of Sithandatu Avenue and Ntlangano Crescent, Nyanga East, from 2pm until 7pm.
Residents will have until December 2 to submit comments for consideration.
“Currently, the Nyanga PTI is located on the corner of Emms Drive and Sithandatu Avenue in Nyanga. It is a beehive of activity with about 230 minibus taxis operating from there, transporting about 16 000 commuters between Nyanga and 25 destinations across Cape Town on weekdays.
“Once operational, MyCiTi passengers will have a direct route to Wynberg, Claremont, Ottery and the Lansdowne area without needing to make a transfer. With a single transfer, passengers boarding buses at the Nyanga PTI will be able to connect with Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park, Strandfontein and other destinations on the way,” Quintas said.
The City revealed that the proposed upgrades will include improvements to the existing infrastructure for minibus taxi operators, new roofing, ablution facilities and administration offices, improved and safe access for commuters, a new roof for the Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) terminus and areas for informal traders.
The intersection at Emms Drive and Sithandatu Avenue will be upgraded with a traffic circle to improve traffic flow in the vicinity of the PTI, and a new MyCiTi bus station will form part of the roll-out of the service to the metro south-east.
Quintas said: “The proposed concept design intends to have all of these public transport services, minibus taxis, GABS and MyCiTi buses, located in one PTI to make it easy and convenient for commuters to transfer between different modes of transport and also to provide them with a variety of transport options.
“Our proposed improvements will make the facility more efficient for minibus taxi operators. Commuters will benefit from a new roof covering the boarding and waiting areas to protect them from harsh weather. There will also be lighting for safety after dark, accessible walkways and ablution facilities.”
“Informal traders will also benefit as commuters will be able to move safely and easily through the PTI, making them more accessible to those passing through. I urge commuters and operators from Nyanga to please attend the information day where officials will answer their questions. This facility is intended to serve the local community, and the public participation process is an important opportunity to contribute and influence the final design,” Quintas said.
For other avenues to provide comments, residents and interested parties can submit comments via www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay portal or send an email to Transport.news@capetown.gov.za.
Residents can also hand in written comments at the subcouncil 13 office on the corner of NY1 and Lansdowne Roads in Gugulethu, Fezeka Admin Building.