MyCiTi IRT System - Cape Town [Archive] - Page 8

Econ77

May 26th, 2011, 01:03 PM

Good news, apart from the busses already being full at peak times, and the teething problems of course:

MyCiTi trunk service sells 3000 tickets per day
Published on May 25, 2011 in Property News
Full Story: MyCiTi trunk service sells 3000 tickets per day

Gridlocked traffic at peak hour delayed some MyCiTi buses as the service launched its feeder routes in Table View yesterday.

The three feeder services cover Big Bay, Table View, Parklands and Blouberg.

City communications director Kylie Hatton said although support for the service was growing, delays in peak-hour traffic yesterday morning were among the “teething problems” experienced. by the service’s staff.

“From the city’s side, we do apologise for any inconvenience as a result of these delays.

“This is a brand-new element of the system and we have seen some teething problems. The city hopes to resolve them as soon as possible.”

Hatton said some of the buses were affected by the congestion in the Table View area, while others struggled to turn at intersections.

“There is not enough room for them when cars bunch up on the opposite side of the (intersection) during peak hour,” she said.

“This led to some delays for some of the feeder services.”

The city was considering painting yellow markings along the affected routes to deter cars from stopping where they would obstruct the buses.

Hatton urged motorists to be aware of the new buses and, if possible, to help ensure that there was enough space for them to turn.

In the long term, smaller buses would run along the feeder routes.

Hatton said that support for the service was increasing, with more than 3 000 tickets a day being sold on the trunk service.

For the inner-city feeder route, which includes Gardens, the Civic Centre and the Waterfront, around 300 tickets a day are being sold.

On the route to Cape Town International Airport, about 250 tickets a day are being sold, said Hatton.

Buses on the trunk routes were busiest during peak hours when, according to Hatton, they were “packed to capacity”, with some passengers having to stand.

The trip on the trunk route between Table View and central Cape Town takes about 40 minutes.

The City of Cape Town was also working to inform commuters about the travelling schedule.

Schedules were published online, and would be sent to libraries and community centres.

For the feeder routes, the schedules were displayed at the stops.

Hatton said the city was “encouraged” by the early support for the service.

“It is for this reason that we value any and all feedback so we can further improve our service.”

Passenger numbers had increased steadily in the week since the launch of the full service.

“We hope these numbers will rise further with the introduction of the feeder services bringing people to the trunk route,” she said.

The service was launched on May 9 with a test run.

Tickets cost R10 for the trunk route and R5 for feeder services.

Cape Argus

Econ77

May 26th, 2011, 01:23 PM

CT tops for bikes - CNN
Thu, 26 May 2011 12:20

CNN has tipped Cape Town as one of the 15 most bike-friendly destinations in the world, in a nod for the city's commitment to building safe cycling lanes to alleviate congestion and pollution.

Fewer cars and more convenient, eco-friendly access is key to making Cape Town a more liveable city, says Cape Town Partnership MD Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana: "This accolade is one we at the Cape Town Partnership are particularly inspired by. Being compared to benchmark pedestrian and bike-friendly cities such as Berlin, Paris, Chicago and Barcelona is very encouraging.”

What Capetonians should also know is that the new MyCiti busses operating in various areas from Tableview and within Cape Town, allow cyclists to take their bikes on board with them and also to leave them at secure lock-up points close to the stations.

The new cycling lanes mirror the MyCiti bus routes, by running to the right of the existing bus lanes along the northern route, which includes Blaauwberg, Table View and Milnerton. These paths are 3m wide and are evenly paved for a smooth ride. The paved lane stretches for 16km. destrian and bike-friendly cities such as Berlin, Paris, Chicago and Barcelona is very encouraging.”

What Capetonians should also know is that the new MyCiti busses operating in various areas from Tableview and within Cape Town, allow cyclists to take their bikes on board with them and also to leave them at secure lock-up points close to the stations.

The new cycling lanes mirror the MyCiti bus routes, by running to the right of the existing bus lanes along the northern route, which includes Blaauwberg, Table View and Milnerton. These paths are 3m wide and are evenly paved for a smooth ride. The paved lane stretches for 16km.

http://travel.iafrica.com/bulletinboard/730354.html

carudden

May 30th, 2011, 01:26 PM

Sad to say my experience was not a positive one on my 1st day :(
Although I will try again in a weeks time.

Car travel total: 70min total (6am / 4pm depart)
Bus travel time: 240min total

My Suggestion
Every second Trunk bus during peak hour should be an Express service. No trunk stations should be stopped at. It appears that > 80% of passengers are doing the full trunk route. This will reduce the travel time for those passengers, and allow the passengers at the stations along the route a higher chance of finding a seat.

Trip to work: Sunningdale to Gardens
I arrived at my feeder stop, and waited 25 minutes for the 1st bus to arrive. From then on it was a pleasant experience for the trip into town. For a service that has just started, I was impressed!

Trip home: Gardens to Sunningdale
I left work at 3:50pm (shhh, don't tell anyone!) and got to the stop at 3:53 - nice and close to work. The bus arrived on time, but then waited for what felt like ages at Gardens Centre, got to the Civic Centre at 4:30pm!!

The trunk bus had no seats left, but the next bus was on it's way, cool. Most of us opted to wait the 5min. Trunk route was all good, got to Bayside at 5:10 or so. Jumped on the feeder, again this took ages. Got home at 5:50.

Nostra

May 31st, 2011, 10:41 AM

carudden

May 31st, 2011, 10:42 AM

haha, I could not read any further after this! Jeez it's lekker there in cpt neh? 3:53? Damn, I wish I was you, some of us are lucky if we leave before 6 pm!!

Come now! You also start work before 7am? :)

CPT = :banana:

Nostra

May 31st, 2011, 10:55 AM

^Nah, 8 o'clock! Jeez how do manage? Nothing worse than CPT winter mornings, it looks like the dead of night at 7 am...

But yeah, cpt is the sh#t. Am waiting the winter out then I'm flying down south like a migrating bird!

Econ77

May 31st, 2011, 10:57 AM

haha, I could not read any further after this! Jeez it's lekker there in cpt neh? 3:53? Damn, I wish I was you, some of us are lucky if we leave before 6 pm!!

Speak for yourself, some of us here in CT also usually leave after 6... though having arrived at after 9 this morning, perhaps I picked a bad day to complain.

... and let me rather not mention half-day Friday's. :smug:

carudden

May 31st, 2011, 11:02 AM

Nostra

May 31st, 2011, 12:24 PM

Speak for yourself, some of us here in CT also usually leave after 6... though having arrived at after 9 this morning, perhaps I picked a bad day to complain.

... and let me rather not mention half-day Friday's. :smug:

yeah yeah, no doubt after catching a few after work drinks on Kloof st and froliking on the beach :)

I remember when I still stayed there, me and my friends would meet at Scrumpy Jacks on Lower Main for about 3-4 rounds of castle draughts without fail every day after work. Good times! :cheers:

MrChavcore

May 31st, 2011, 06:26 PM

yeah yeah, no doubt after catching a few after work drinks on Kloof st and froliking on the beach :)

I remember when I still stayed there, me and my friends would meet at Scrumpy Jacks on Lower Main for about 3-4 rounds of castle draughts without fail every day after work. Good times! :cheers:

last time i was in cape town scrumpy's was gone. nothing better than that stale buttery popcorn they used to hand out with the drinks! but seriously, you should try living in europe. i live in dublin and i work until 9.30pm most nights :shocked:

Mo Rush

May 31st, 2011, 11:02 PM

Letter16

June 3rd, 2011, 11:32 AM

i've been using the mycitibus inner city bus to get to work alomost everyday since may 16. before then i was using the golden arrow bus from the station. i live in the city and work at the waterfront my nearest myciti stop is on strand street. this means that, going to the waterfront, i have to go through the civic station. this is where the problem starts.

it seems like the inner city loop is not treated as an end to end route from gardens to the waterfront. almost always i catch a bus at strand str and the bus stops at the civic centre and waits or we get told to get off and wait for another bus and all too often we are told to get off and that the bus is going to the depot. this wait adds 10-25 minutes on a trip that should be quick. yesterday i got to the civic at 9:04 was told to get off the bus because that bus was going to the depot and that the next bus "might" be there at 920. on my way back from work at around 8pm we stopped at the civic again and told the bus is going out of service and i was told they dont know if/when the next bus to gardens is coming. i then have to walk home in the dark from the station.

the scheduling of the buses is also not on point yet. often, even during peak times; on the inner city loop you'll wait 20mins for a bus and then then see 2 buses come through almost tailgating eachother.

even if we consider that the inner city loop is slave to the trunk route. ie. the inner city bus leaves on arrival of a trunk bus(which does not happen) still does not explain the wait during peak times of longer than 10mins

a journey between gardens and the waterfront through the civic station is currently too unpredictable and too lengthy. i suggest that inner city buses should only make brief stops at the civic; only to pick up passengers so that the journey is continuous. the buses should only leave service at the end of the line; that is at gardens or the waterfront. i dont know if there is currently a central control node which is in contact with the drivers and how this works but there is much scope for improvement here.

i realise that there are still some issues to iron out so i have reverted to using the golden arrow bus who's service to the waterfront is more mature and efficient. ill check out myciti again after a few weeks to see if it meets my needs

Mo Rush

June 3rd, 2011, 11:58 AM

Please keep sending your views and reviews. I'll post to the blog and pass it to the City.

carudden

June 3rd, 2011, 12:17 PM

ill check out myciti again after a few weeks to see if it meets my needs

I'm hoping it does - want this service to work out (as I'm sure the city does too)

Letter16

June 3rd, 2011, 01:37 PM

thanks mo. was going to look into how to get that to the city.
@carrudden. what is encouraging is that there has been so much public uptake. but there are some frustrations as you also noted in your post. we all want this to work. we must keep supporting but realise that some things are going to take a little longer to get this to be the slick effecient service we want it to be and it cant be that way without contructive critism like you provided and i've tried to do

Mo Rush

June 3rd, 2011, 01:49 PM

Inner City needs to run as a loop with a bus every 10 minutes as a minimum. In Madrid they don't wait around for buses to fill up because you know the most you will wait is 10 minutes.

Please let me know if you would like your post to be posted to the blog or if you would like to make changes.

Letter16

June 3rd, 2011, 02:19 PM

yeah yu can post the post to the blog.
if you need to make changes for grammer spellig etc you have editorial carte blanche. thanks for sending this to the right people

Mo Rush

June 3rd, 2011, 02:26 PM

yeah yu can post the post to the blog.
if you need to make changes for grammer spellig etc you have editorial carte blanche. thanks for sending this to the right people

You can send it to irt@capetown.gov.za and I will post it to futurecapetown.com too

Andrew_za

June 7th, 2011, 12:42 PM

Cape Town’s journey has just begun

The recent successful launch of the new phases of the MyCiTi transport system is a further significant milestone in the development of Cape Town as a liveable city.

On May 9, the West Coast sector of the MyCiTi/BRT Transport Network on the R27 between the Table View and civic centre bus stations (or the Table View red trunk route) commenced in a pilot phase between 9am and 3pm daily.

On May 14, the full trunk service started operating, with the buses stopping at all stations along the route.

In a landmark moment for the city, the interim inner-city feeder route, the Gardens-Civic Centre-Waterfront route, also began operating. This runs between the civic centre and Green Point, the Waterfront, the Loop and Long street areas and Gardens.

Have we arrived at our destination? Not nearly. This is just the beginning.

By all reports, the new additions to the route have performed well; timeous and pleasant, with efficient service and a clean, future-forward feel. It’s a way of travelling that has excited Capetonians and many early adopters of the system look likely to stay fans.

One has to remember that the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) initiative is a 15-year project and part of a vision for Cape Town that centres on its future sustainability for the people who live in it. It is also a vision for Cape Town as a future tourism, business and educational centre, attracting global investment and intellectual capital.

Sustainability means less pressure on our resources and a real bid to lighten our pollution load in order to preserve our natural resources and make life more liveable for the Capetonians of tomorrow.

Cape Town holds the title of being the South African city with the highest percentage of private car owners. One look at the traffic congestion (that is not only limited to rush hour) gives a clear indication that the pressure of too many vehicles trying to get in and out of the city is not working for anyone.

We are on the eve of an announcement by the committee of the World Design Capital 2014, to hear if we are going to be included on the shortlist of destinations contending for the 2014 World Design Capital title.

Whether we are in the running or not, compiling the bid to be a world design capital has been integral to understanding a new vision for Cape Town, one which sees the design process as a means for truly reconnecting infrastructural development with the rebuilding of social cohesion. This is not design for design’s sake but rather a socially minded approach to how design can be harnessed for more effective, sustainable living.

A study of World Design Capital 2010, Seoul in South Korea, reveals the perfect example of how design can reposition a city.

Once a depressing, polluted and inhuman urban jungle, Seoul is now green and beautiful, and its citizens are measurably happier. This sort of transformative journey is the goal of organisations like the Cape Town Partnership, who see that social cohesion is possible through good project management and social reinvention.

Cape Town’s transport system has the potential to serve all its inhabitants and visitors.

Central to this is the existing, and very extensive, rail system, which is also the best in the country. How ironic that the city with the best rail system is also the city with the most private cars.

The key to improving our transport system should start with rail. For too many years now, the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) and Metrorail have let us down by not offering a decent service to passengers.

For many Capetonians (23 percent of our daily commuters use the rail network) there is no choice between taking a car or using the rail system, because they simply do not have a car.

For those who are sentenced to travel on rail, their daily experience is one of terrible overcrowding, constant security threats and frequent delays to the service. Add to that stations that are unsafe, unappealing and not coping efficiently with the feeder services that are bringing commuters to its platforms.

Capetonians need to hold these service providers – Metrorail and Prasa – accountable. As citizens, we need to demand more rolling stock, better security, greater service and safer signal systems.

Prasa CEO Lucky Montana recently announced that new trains would be introduced into Metrorail over the next 18 years, but that simply isn’t a fast enough solution for the urgent need.

We must lobby government for an immediate overhaul of the train system as a matter of priority. We should do this whether or not we take the train because all our lives and our community’s wellbeing are being affected by this untenable situation.

Cape Town’s IRT initiative seeks to integrate all modal options into a coherent package for the customer. These modes include: Metrorail services; road-based services on trunk routes; conventional bus services; minibus taxi integration; feeder bus services; improved pedestrian and bicycle access; metered taxi integration and park-and-ride facilities.

Within the IRT, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system is a high-quality bus transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective urban mobility with segregated right-of-way infrastructure, rapid and frequent operations, and high levels of customer service.

The MyCiTi buses are not intended to replace rail routes, they are there to supplement them. Building more rail routes is prohibitively expensive. In fact, introducing buses rather than rail is typically four to 20 times less expensive than building a tram or light-rail transit system, and 10 to 100 times less than a rail system.

Recent calls to run the buses parallel to the train routes are counter-productive and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

If we are to create the ideal integrated system we should run new public transport routes where currently there are (were) none, as in the case of Table View, where the population has exploded over the past 20 years. Buses will also complement, but not compete with, inter-nodal exchange points, such as the one at Woodstock.

Capetonians are in the habit of driving their cars everywhere and it will take time for habits to change. Changed habits are often forced by necessity or consequence. In this instance, travelling by car will become increasingly expensive and more time-consuming.

The current phase of the BRT and the introduction of the new routes are still at a sensitive stage. Cape Town’s citizens should perhaps consider it as an experiment still but one that they must and can be part of. Many of the relationships and systems are new; staff are still learning, new partnerships with driver organisations are settling in and logistical snags must still be detected and corrected.

There are still solutions (and opportunities) that will arise. One that is glaringly obvious in the central city is the need for an appropriate park-and-ride network.

The City of Cape Town has not yet unveiled its plans for this but we believe that there is an excellent opportunity for the private sector to respond to this need.

We cannot look at transport as an issue separate from land use or planning either. There is a need for appropriate densification in the city, within a 1km radius of the rail and bus stations. Cape Town is a low-density city, which leaves us with greater sprawl and therefore greater travelling distances and this must change to heed sustainable and liveable goals into the future.

Cape Town has just been honoured with the accolade of being one of CNN’s Most Bike-Friendly Cities in the World. This exciting affirmation comes off the back of Cape Town’s new bicycle routes and independently produced Cape Town Bicycle Map (www.capetownbicyclemap.co.za). The MyCiTi buses also permit passengers to bring their bicycles on board, to allow greater mobility between bus and residential areas, and there are planned lock-up stations for bikes at convenient points.

Once again, cycling, and bicycles themselves, have the potential to bring new ideas, new employment and new ways of living to the citizens of Cape Town – think bike-friendly shops, restaurants and bars; bicycle service centres and wash stops; bicycle boutiques and networking events for cyclists. The list is endless.

The new bus and cycle routes also mean that it is more accessible than ever to live in the city centre. We are one step closer to Cape Town becoming a centre where students, businesses and residents can live, work and play, a city that functions fully by day and night because of the people in it.

Change is never easy. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and adjusting to the new. We may feel uncomfortable, we may not know the way at first, but in time the change becomes the familiar and you wonder what you did without it.

To begin this journey, we have to be willing to try something new.

Hop on the bus and experience a Cape Town of the future, a Cape Town we can all live in and be proud of.

l Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana is the managing director of the Cape Town Partnership

Mo Rush

June 7th, 2011, 02:28 PM

Super article. Super lady. Had a meeting with her this week. Inspiring.

Urban Rambler

June 7th, 2011, 04:00 PM

Realistically, what are the chances that the project, as currently outlined, will be completed in 15 years? And when they say 15 years, does that include the last two years?

Marsupalami

June 7th, 2011, 04:44 PM

I want to go from Simons Town to Saldhana, and from Sandy Bay to Stellenbosch on this bad boy. 15 years is probably right!

Eduan

June 7th, 2011, 05:41 PM

Hi everyone.

According to the MyCiti business plan, the entire project is supposed to take "within 15 to 20 years". I cannot help feeling that even 20 years is still optimistic.

Urban Rambler

June 10th, 2011, 09:00 PM

What is up with drivers pulling over at ALL stops on feeder routes? It’s driving me mental!

So I have a bit of a leftfield problem with MyCiTi. It doesn’t feel like the sort of service you can jump on spontaneously and explore the city with. When I lived in London, I delighted in bus hopping or even sitting in a bus for its entire route – just looking out the window, listening to my iPod. I enjoyed the impersonal nature of London and its public transport system – and of course, you can take one journey or a thousand journeys for the cost of a travelcard.

You get on a MyCiTi bus in Cape Town and someone immediately asks where you’re going. This evening I boarded the Gardens bus at the Civic Centre. I hadn’t decided where I was going to alight – either Michaelis or Government Ave. When she asked, I told the conductor I was getting out at the former. When I didn’t, she came running to me to say I’d missed my stop. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the help, but it’s just another example of the nannying for which this city is now famous. I can’t buy alcohol on a Sunday and I can’t put one foot out of place in a MyCiTi station or someone will shout, “That way!” What if I want to stand in a corner and make a phone call or go admire the art on the wall? No, I have to go straight to the platform for my bus and via the designated route, herded like a sheep.

Can the station not be a destination in itself? Can I use the bus for more than just travelling from an A to B?

Yes, it’s MyCiTi, but only to an extent.

James0

June 11th, 2011, 10:52 AM

A couple of months ago, I went to drop a friend at the Civic station to take the airport shuttle. Afterwards, I wandered around the rest of the concourse looking around. At least six staff came up to me to ask if I was lost before their supervisor started yelling, "It's okay! He's just looking!"

Andrew_za

June 11th, 2011, 01:25 PM

U.R: You could have just said you unsure or told them you taking a ride. There service is still new, at an early stage, and should not be slammed for reasons like comparing it to e.g. London.

A friend from the states was very impressed when we used the service, because the staff greeted and asked her about her stay in Cape Town. No need to complain about it. Spirit of Ubuntu :)

Regarding all the laws...it is getting ridiculous.

James:
I don't see a problem with that. Its a new service, most do feel confused or a bit lost when they get to the station. Bearing in mind, the norm is to use the service.

If you want to complain about something, complain about the lack of signage/maps/timetables etc, not staff who are only trying to do their jobs.

It's not that hard to just smile and say you okay, regardless of how many times you need do it.

Urban Rambler

June 11th, 2011, 02:28 PM

I get you, but I sometimes find our sort of cutesy way of doing things very irritating. I was certainly not comparing MyCiTi with London’s public transport system. However, I do believe that it’s important to start on the right foot. If we don’t iron out these little irritants now, our system won’t mature into a world class one. We should feel welcomed without feeling smothered.

Eduan

June 11th, 2011, 02:44 PM

I don't think we should worry about the cutesiness lasting too long. The system is still very new, to the staff just as it is to us as users, and the staff are obviously still trying to find the right balance between being helpful and overbearing.

Also, part of the 'problem' is the paper ticketing system, which is interim. I'm sure as soon as the smartcards come in, they are not going to find any need to ask every passenger upfront where they want to get off. And if passenger numbers pick up, there surely won't be time...

bloatedstomach

June 12th, 2011, 06:46 PM

I think that for Capetonians who know the city well, this can become irritating. however, for the tourists who don't, this could be very helpful, and I am sure that many would actually appreciate the 'nannying' as you call it. I know that visitors from other countries who take the train often have to ask locals which station they are at every time the train stops, and a little bit of communication would be great in this situation. With regard to the 'over-eagerness' of staff, I don't think it's perfect by any means, and I'm sure they will learn. But better too much information than too little.

Lydon

June 12th, 2011, 07:36 PM

I think the last thing we need to be complaining about is staff being too willing to help, because the large majority of the time we suffer from the opposite problem.

Urban Rambler

June 13th, 2011, 08:34 AM

Somebody must have read my complaint because this morning I just got a look. :lol:

Lovely commute in though. Got to the bus stop two minutes before a bus arrived and was at work in about ten minutes. At the moment, minibus taxis are still more convenient for me in the mornings, but I don't think I will be using them any longer, unless it rains (taxi around the corner vs bus ten minutes walk away).

James0

June 13th, 2011, 10:59 AM

Eh, I didn't mind the over-eagerness -- just mentioning that I'd seen it too. If I did have an objection, it wasn't that I was being over-helped; rather, there was a sense that the place I was in was not a public facility that I could wander around at will. There was a real question as to whether I should be there. I'm not saying it's a big problem, though.

RYebreAD

June 16th, 2011, 07:37 PM

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_0545.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_0546.jpg

RYebreAD

June 17th, 2011, 09:43 AM

Construction commences at MyCiTi Table View station to extend service

MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 323 / 2011
15 JUNE 2011

Motorists and road users are alerted to construction work around the MyCiTi Table View trunk station, which may affect the free flow of traffic. The purpose of the construction is to expand the trunk station’s facilities in order to accommodate the expansion of the MyCiTi service in the West Coast area to Atlantis, Dunoon and Montague Gardens.

The construction and the expansion of the station will also allow the City to deal with one of the problems that have developed on Blaauwberg Road of people crossing the road illegally, to access the station. “In order to improve pedestrian safety and better manage this illegal behavior, barriers and fencing will be erected around the construction site”, said Kylie Hatton, Media Manager for the City of Cape Town.

The following will happen in approximately the following order in and around the Table View station:

• Fencing erected on either side of the median(centre island) in order to improve pedestrian safety in around the MyCiTi Table View station.
• The deviation of the effluent main will commence on the weekend of 17 June 2011 at 19:00. Busses will then run with the traffic in a westerly direction along Blaauwberg Road towards the R27, and enter the bus lane where the yellow delineator kerbs have been removed. The work is scheduled to be completed over the weekend of 17 June 2011, but may take longer.
• From Tuesday 21 June 2011 the deviation of both the effluent and Chevron main line will then proceed requiring the closure of one lane along Blaauwberg Road (MyCiTi busses will not be affected) until about 22 July 2011, but will affect normal traffic.
• The deviation of the last section of the Chevron main line will proceed on 22 July 2011 and busses will then run with the traffic in a westerly direction along Blaauwberg Road towards the R27. This phase of work is expected to take approximately 3-4 days.
• Construction of the feeder station up to the existing ramp will then commence in such a way as to allow pedestrians to still access the existing station. This will maximise working space and pedestrian accommodation.
The work will commence at the end of July 2011 and is expected to be completed by June 2012.
• This construction will lead to traffic disruption in the form of the removal of the one right turn lane heading east on Blaauwberg Road at the Raats/Pentz Street intersection, in order to allow space for construction and safe passage for pedestrians to the Table View station.

The City apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the construction works in and around Table View station. “We ask for the public’s co-operation during this construction phase. This construction will allow the City to expand the MyCiTi service in the West Coast area allowing the MyCiTi service to reach more residents,” said Hatton.

More information about the MyCiTi project is available on our website www.capetown.gov.za/myciti.The map below shows the construction zone and pedestrian access to the station.

END

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT, CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
KYLIE HATTON
MEDIA MANAGER
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 4684 CELL: 082 874 4605

Mo Rush

June 17th, 2011, 11:25 AM

The Shanghai Metro reminds me of the IRT system. The entire platform is enclosed in glass.

Nostra

June 17th, 2011, 02:28 PM

Nice pics but damn it looks like the surface of Mars, presumably they're installing a lawn soon? I'm sure of it though...

RYebreAD

June 17th, 2011, 02:42 PM

No those are sandstone stones between the road and the concrete pathway. Its quite nice in reality, but it does look weird in the pic...:nuts:

I drove through CDB earlier, busses running nicely around the city and the construction on the CBD stations is continuing in the rain. The stations on Hans Strijdom look around 50% done and fountain circle looks about half its original size.

Urban Rambler

June 17th, 2011, 03:21 PM

The Shanghai Metro reminds me of the IRT system. The entire platform is enclosed in glass.

Same as London Underground Jubilee line extension. It controls ventilation in the tunnels and serves the secondary purpose of preventing suicides.

Lydon

June 17th, 2011, 11:28 PM

Where are the MyCiTi stops in Gardens for the inner-city loop?

carudden

June 18th, 2011, 01:17 AM

Where are the MyCiTi stops in Gardens for the inner-city loop?

They are all listed on the map (http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/MyCiti/Documents/CentralCity_small.pdf)

Gardens Shopping centre, and outside the Mount Nelson are pretty much them.

Lydon

June 18th, 2011, 12:03 PM

Thanks! I was looking at another map on the site that wasn't very descriptive.

Mo Rush

June 18th, 2011, 10:30 PM

The Garden's Permanent station will be built under the bridge, going by Gardens Centre. Please remind me to add a basic plan when I'm back in CT.

Andrew_za

June 22nd, 2011, 02:48 PM

A booklet like advertisement of the IRT service in the Community Newspapers.
It announces that construction for permanent routes are set to start, while showing maps and other information.

It also shows the different types of bus shelters and stops that will be used.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/5860027834_058d2050a9_b.jpg

Urban Rambler

June 22nd, 2011, 03:07 PM

Niiiiiiiiice! :)

carudden

June 22nd, 2011, 03:14 PM

I presume the Totem styles will only be used under already existing shelters, eg like Mo said - under bridges?

Lydon

June 22nd, 2011, 04:23 PM

Sweet. I hope they maintain them well. I can picture idiotic marketers sticking those damn posters that don't come off properly and advertising clubs all over them.

Mo Rush

June 23rd, 2011, 07:35 AM

Good stuff. Andrew, maybe prepare a short piece about that image for the blog...? a few lines?

nomnolence

June 23rd, 2011, 11:59 AM

Sweet. I hope they maintain them well. I can picture idiotic marketers sticking those damn posters that don't come off properly and advertising clubs all over them.

Unless its the "enlarge your penis" type, it's pretty easy for Council to track down said clubs and make them pay to remove the ads and repaint the polls or risk losing their licence...

Lydon

June 23rd, 2011, 02:59 PM

Unless its the "enlarge your penis" type, it's pretty easy for Council to track down said clubs and make them pay to remove the ads and repaint the polls or risk losing their licence...

Easy indeed, but hopefully they actually take that step. Golden Arrow clearly couldn't care how their "stations" look.

Urban Rambler

June 23rd, 2011, 06:08 PM

These are the nine permanent inner city routes that will begin operating when the 12m feeder buses arrive next year.

F01: CBD – Stadium – Queens Beach – Camps Bay – Hout Bay (Hout Bay to Cape Town via Camps Bay and Sea Point)

F02: Clocktower – CBD – Kloof Nek – Camps Bay (Waterfront via the Central City and Kloof Nek to Camps Bay)

F03: Queens Beach – Victoria Wharf – CBD – Gardens Centre (Sea Point via the CBD to Gardens and Vredehoek)

F04: CBD – Fresnaye – Queens Beach (Queens Beach to Fresnaye and Cape Town)

F05: Bo-Kaap – CBD – Zonnebloem – Salt River (Bo-Kaap via Central City and Zonnebloem to Salt River)

F06: CBD – Gardens (Civic Centre to Gardens Centre via Gardens and Oranjezicht)

F07: CBD – Gardens (Civic Centre to Gardens Centre via Zonnebloem and Vredehoek)

F08: CBD – Gardens – Vredehoek (Highlands Estate via Vredehoek and Gardens to the CBD)

F65: CBD – Gardens – Tamboerskloof (Tamboerskloof via Gardens to the CBD)

A nice criss-cross of the inner city!

Lydon

June 23rd, 2011, 06:46 PM

Anything that will run along Somerset Road in Green Point?

Urban Rambler

June 23rd, 2011, 06:58 PM

Anything that will run along Somerset Road in Green Point?

F01 will go along Somerset Road from Riebeek to Sea Point Main Road.

RYebreAD

June 24th, 2011, 11:00 AM

Which map would these routes be on? i would love to know if any go past my office in Woodstock (Main Rd).

Lydon

June 24th, 2011, 11:05 AM

F01 will go along Somerset Road from Riebeek to Sea Point Main Road.

Thanks :)

Do you know if the current inner-city loop involves the buses departing from the Civic Centre, going up to Gardens, then stopping at the Civic Centre again on their way to the Waterfront? Or do they skip the Civic Centre on the way to the Waterfront and stop off again afterwards?

Urban Rambler

June 24th, 2011, 11:30 AM

Currently, the inner city route completes a full loop between Civic and Gardens via Adderley, Strand, Long/Loop and Orange streets, then starts a new loop, going to the Waterfront via DF Malan Street, Coen Steytler Avenue, Long/Loop Street, Riebeek Street and Somerset Road. So ja, buses go through the Civic Centre twice on a full trip. It’s actually seriously confusing unless you break it up into two loops.

Lydon

June 24th, 2011, 11:52 AM

Urban Rambler

June 24th, 2011, 12:01 PM

Thanks mate. Come Monday I'm going to be using MyCiTi daily and need to get from the Civic Centre to Green Point, or as close as possible, and back, hence me trying to figure out how everything works!

You’re fine then. Take the Waterfront bus from the far left platform at the Civic Centre (I can’t remember which number it is) and you’ll be on Somerset Road in less than ten minutes! I think Stadium station is the only stop in Green Point.

Urban Rambler

June 24th, 2011, 12:06 PM

Which map would these routes be on? i would love to know if any go past my office in Woodstock (Main Rd).

The City wrapped a giant ad around the CapeTowner. It features a map of future routes. It’s difficult to tell whereabouts in Woodstock the bus will stop, but it appears to go down Roodebloem Road on its way to Salt River station.

EDIT: That’s F05, which goes through Zonnebloem, Walmer Estate and Uni Estate to Salt River. No buses will actually travel to the CBD via Victoria/Sir Lowry Road.

RYebreAD

June 24th, 2011, 12:39 PM

Ah okay...I would KILL for a Sir Lowry Road - Main Road route...Ive tried Golden Arrow from Woodstock to town and waited 45 minutes. :bash:

Urban Rambler

June 24th, 2011, 12:51 PM

The thinking is probably that the route between Retreat and the CBD via Main Road is already very well serviced (in terms of quantity, not quality) by GA and minibus taxis. A Main Road into CBD route will have to come once MyCiTi is properly expanded into the Southern Suburbs. An M3 only route will be viewed as elitist and an M5 route inadequate.

Lydon

June 24th, 2011, 01:07 PM

You’re fine then. Take the Waterfront bus from the far left platform at the Civic Centre (I can’t remember which number it is) and you’ll be on Somerset Road in less than ten minutes! I think Stadium station is the only stop in Green Point.

Shot!

I'm thinking of getting off at the Buitengracht stop and walking to our offices from there, as it appears to be a little closer. I'll have to test both and see though :)

Andrew_za

June 24th, 2011, 01:14 PM

In July, construction will begin on stops and stations for the nine permanent feeder routes in the city bowl area. The routes are expected to start operating next year, but are dependent on the availability of the feeder buses. Various bus stops, shelters and stations will be built, but this depends on conditions at individual sites.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/5860027834_058d2050a9_b.jpg

There will be four closed stations on inner-city routes. These will be built at major junctions between routes to allow passengers to transfer comfortably between services. The Stations will be located at Adderley Street, Gardens, Queens Beach and Civic Centre. They will vary in size, depending on anticipated passenger demand. Different smaller buses will be used, and will have low floors to accommodate access for all passengers, including those in wheelchairs, as well as bicycles and prams.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5866332376_9382e3b61a_b.jpg

Eduan

June 25th, 2011, 01:39 PM

^^ Very glad to see the next phase becoming a reality.

From the looks of this map, Adderley Street is going to get pretty congested, though.

Does anyone know whether the feeder buses have been ordered yet, and what their final specs will be?

Awesome.e

June 26th, 2011, 12:25 AM

The "Closed feeder Station".. what does that mean? just like normal trunk route stations?

Andrew_za

June 26th, 2011, 12:47 PM

I also think Adderley street is going to be quite congested...Makes me wonder about the bicycle lane.

"Closed feeder station" does sound like the glass boxed/ trunk type station. There was a render of such a station in Adderley sometime ago.

Mo Rush

June 27th, 2011, 08:32 AM

Closed feeder as in the ones being built at Civic right now

Urban Rambler

June 27th, 2011, 10:05 AM

Adderley Street will be very congested with buses. Perhaps the cycle lane should be a bus priority lane. Either way, it’s nice that our downtown’s de facto main street is being treated like one again.

Lydon

June 27th, 2011, 03:53 PM

My MyCiTi virginity has been broken :D The folks are really friendly and seem excited to be at work. Good stuff :)

Upington

June 27th, 2011, 10:55 PM

The "Closed feeder Station".. what does that mean? just like normal trunk route stations?

....when you walk into Civic station, you have different "platforms" for the Waterfront, Table view, etc if that make sense which is different from say Granger bay station....they are still busy building more "platforms" in the Civic station even though its in used.....took the bus with my kiddos all the way to Eden on the Bay this weekend for lunch.....the system is a lot better than Rea Vaya......

Letter16

June 28th, 2011, 09:02 AM

re congestion on adderley street. i think its worthwhile noting that th feeder buses will be much smaller than the current buses. remember the little red bus that was going up and down town a few months ago...? apparently that was being tested for the feeder routes. so adderley street wont be full of big lumbering buses. should be better

Urban Rambler

June 28th, 2011, 10:07 AM

Andrew_za

June 28th, 2011, 12:05 PM

^^ and nobody took a picture of it?

Letter16

June 28th, 2011, 12:06 PM

yup that's what i heard. whether that is the final spec and colour that will be used remains to be seen. pretty excited about those little buses too.

Urban Rambler

June 28th, 2011, 12:47 PM

I believe there was a pic on Mo's blog.

These little buses will probably be branded in the same way as the trunk buses.

Mo Rush

June 28th, 2011, 01:19 PM

With regards to big buses. In HK giant double deckers do just fine going up and down Camps Bay like hills and narrow roads.

Mo Rush

June 28th, 2011, 01:25 PM

yup that's what i heard. whether that is the final spec and colour that will be used remains to be seen. pretty excited about those little buses too.

We will only know once the tender has been finalized. I'm not optimistic given the current buses.

Mr.billabongtcm

June 28th, 2011, 02:47 PM

Lydon

June 28th, 2011, 02:57 PM

When is the Century City league of the service supposed to come online? I'd kill for it now!

Mo Rush

June 28th, 2011, 04:43 PM

Eduan

June 28th, 2011, 05:19 PM

Here are a few complaints I have about the system (at the current moment) as well as things I don't understand.

Firstly, why aren't express busses put into place? With this I mean busses that go directly from the Civic to Bayside and vice-versa. There are sections along the T1 route that are clearly big enough for a bus to pass so why not make use of this because most people travel directly from Bayside to the Civic (and vice-versa) anyway.
I'm sure express services will be introduced in good time. The current service has been in operation for barely more than a month and I suspect the City wants to make sure they get the basics of the system right before introducing more complicated permutations to it.

Also, express services will require more buses and I think the current operation is using the available buses (which were ordered to be just enough for the World Cup) to the max.

I also feel they should have made stopping buttons on trunk route busses as well. It is extremely annoying when you stop at a station the doors open and no one gets in or out. I know it's only like 20 seconds but imagine that being the case with half of the stations, think of the time one could have saved.
My suspicion is that the system is designed to accommodate larger number of passengers than it does now, which means that the odds of a bus stopping at a station with no-one getting in or out should (ultimately) be very small.

They should do what some drivers do when they stop at Stadium and Granger Bay stations - line the bus up and unless someone has pressed the button, don't open the doors or if one of the station workers indicate that there are indeed passengers.
That's a possibility, but it leaves too much room open for the station attendant, the bus driver and passengers misunderstanding each other and the bus driving off with someone still stuck in the station (or on the bus). The system should be kept as simple and predictable as possible, to avoid misunderstandings and passengers even getting intimidated from using it, and if that means waiting a few secs at an empty station now and then, I'd willing to live with it.
This is a very small issue but I feel it makes a big difference. It looks very unprofessional when some workers at the stations don't wear their bibs. Perhaps they should introduce a uniform. Just a thought... There is actually talk in the Business Plan or some other official commication that MyCiti staff wil get uniforms once all the permanent contracts are in place and will be wearing bibs only in the interim. But until then, I agree with you.
Why is it that stations like Vrystaat, Paarden Eiland etc. , have two sections. That seems like quite a waste or is there a reason?
There's a very good reason, and it's the same one you mention above: to provide passing space. In the Paarden Eiland stretch the road reserve isn't wide enough to provide passing lanes on both sides of the stations, so they 'split' each station into two, and positioned them so that there is a partial passing space in each direction.

Incidently, I've noticed only one station on the trunk route that does not have passing lanes: Milnerton. Does anyone know that would be? Did the engineers just hope that express buses would never meet there?

I feel the station in Hans Strijdom is useless and a waste because from what I've seen not a lot of the future feeder routes will make use of it. But also I find it pointless that the Waterfront route is now becoming a trunk route. Personal opinion.
Actually, no feeder buses will make use of it, because it won't have low-floor platforms, but I think the station will be far from useless: it allows more people to use the trunk buses (the station is right in the middle of the Foreshore) without needing to transfer to a feeder. No matter how nice the idea of feeder buses are, transferring from one bus to another is always going to be a (relative) pain in the arse, compared to just staying on the bus and getting out one stop later, and maybe walking a few paces more to your destination (if, for example, it's the CTICC). The same argument goes for the trunk to the Waterfront.
I only recently figured out that the new platforms at the Civic are being built for the new feeder routes. I had always assumed they were for future phases. If this system is going to become as big as expected, they are going to need plenty of platforms. Where do you guys think they will be situated?
Good question. I know that another trunk is planned to enter the City via Sir Lowry Rd/Darling St/Adderley/Wale St (as part of Phase 2), terminating apparently in Dorp Street. But that then leaves the question of all the other services coming through the Culemborg busway. Maybe the number of platforms required for a full service is just less than we think.

... Despite being very amped about getting my car at the end of the year, I doubt I'll even be using it a lot because I'll be able to literally go anywhere with My CiTi!

That's the spirit!

Urban Rambler

June 29th, 2011, 09:39 AM

I’ve been commuting on the Gardens-Waterfront feeder route for a couple of weeks now. Going downtown in the morning, the bus is still empty – maybe a max of five people. In the afternoon, between the Waterfront and Civic (I get on at Prestwich) it’s full – difficult to find a seat, conductor overwhelmed. Between Civic and Gardens it again has a max of five people. I’ve seen a steady increase in passengers in the afternoon. These appear to be mostly West Coast residents. I conclude then that the Civic-Waterfront section is also busy in the morning. The Civic-Gardens section is underused. I’m not entirely sure why.

RYebreAD

June 29th, 2011, 11:05 AM

Red tar all round the circle
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_0870.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_0871.jpg

Brickwork, metal railing installed at stations
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_0873.jpg

Andrew_za

June 29th, 2011, 12:34 PM

^^ Great stuff :)

Mo Rush

June 29th, 2011, 04:52 PM

The Garden's Permanent station will be built under the bridge, going by Gardens Centre. Please remind me to add a basic plan when I'm back in CT.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5315/5884747182_44bf2f8d82_b.jpg

Mo Rush

June 29th, 2011, 05:20 PM

Closed Civic Feeders: Elevation

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5884264655_134f95b7f4_b.jpg

Econ77

June 29th, 2011, 05:43 PM

More price adjustments loom for MyCiTi bus service

It appears more price adjustments may be on the cards for the MyCiTi bus service as of 2012.

On Monday, the City of Cape Town Council announced that as of Friday, a bus ticket from the Civic Centre to the airport will cost R53.

An adjustment will also be made to the fares for monthly tickets, for children under 12-years-old and for bulk purchases.

City spokesperson Kylie Hatton said they will be reviewing fares for the recently launched feeder and trunk routes running between Tableview and surrounds.

“At this stage, they remain the same. The decision to increase the airport service is that it has been running for over a year now and any increase in tariffs will be affected later in the financial year,” she said.

http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/Story.aspx?Id=68976

Mr.billabongtcm

July 2nd, 2011, 10:44 PM

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions!

Had a somewhat irritating journey from Gardens to Green Point yesterday. The bus stopped for nearly 10 minuts at the Civic! This is also not the 1st time it happend.

Mr.billabongtcm

July 3rd, 2011, 05:49 PM

How does the taxi industry and Golden Arrow feel about My CiTi operating on several of their routes? Please don't tell me there are going to be strikes and delays again.

annman

July 4th, 2011, 01:35 PM

^^ They can't, as they partly own this system. Thus the huge initial delay in the launch of the MyCiTi system. Transport stakeholders are also involved in the operations of the BRT service.

carudden

July 7th, 2011, 07:33 AM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5866332376_9382e3b61a_b.jpg

I saw headlines today about the new IRT routes. When are they going live?

Edit: just spotted the "2012" - I wonder what the headlines are related to then?

Urban Rambler

July 7th, 2011, 10:20 AM

Atlantic Seaboard next for MyCiTi roll-out

July 7 2011 at 09:50am
961097

INLSA

Babalo Ndenze

Metro Writer

COMMUTERS living in Hout Bay, Imizamo Yethu, Hangberg and Llandudno are next in line for the city’s MyCiTi roll-out, with 200 stations to be constructed along the route, starting this month.

MyCiTi is to replace Golden Arrow’s bus service on the route.

The nine permanent feeder routes which will be introduced into the city’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) network by June next year will ensure that no one has to walk more than a few minutes to the nearest stop.

The city will also build a feeder station in Adderley Street in the city centre.

These developments are part of the first phase of the IRT system.

“Construction starts this month of all the stops. Service will start running towards the middle of next year. There will be temporary stops while the permanent stops are being built,” said city spokeswoman Kylie Hatton.

This feeder service is expected to benefit thousands of residents of the Hout Bay area who have not had a regular public transport service.

The service along the Atlantic Seaboard will run from Lower Marlin Crescent in Hout Bay, past Imizamo Yethu, Clifton’s 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st beaches and Bantry Bay, stopping at the Queens Beach feeder station, from where commuters will be able to connect to the Cape Town Stadium, V&A Waterfront and Gardens feeder routes.

“The stations will be roughly 500m apart and this will go a long way to

making Cape Town more public transport and pedestrian friendly. The routes should be going live in June 2012.

“Construction starts now and it will take about two years for all stops to be completed,” Hatton said. She said the tender for the fleet of 200 buses had already closed.

Hatton said the operating hours for the feeder service would be similar to the operating hours at the beginning of the first phase.

“We may extend the operations on weekends and on important event dates. Adderley Street is going to have one of our larger stations. It will be more like an extended station and will be situated close to the railway station,” Hatton said.

The City of Cape Town is also planning on permanently closing off parts of Old Marine Drive near the Civic Centre, with plans to convert the area into a public transport precinct.

babalo.ndenze@inl.co.za

Urban Rambler

July 7th, 2011, 10:21 AM

Tony Ehrenreich is going to have a field day, and perhaps rightfully so this time.

carudden

July 7th, 2011, 10:39 AM

This feeder service is expected to benefit thousands of residents of the Hout Bay area who have not had a regular public transport service.

This must be the reason for the implementation in the way it's being done. Table view had no infrastructure either.

AdelsK

July 7th, 2011, 10:53 AM

Tony Ehrenreich is going to have a field day, and perhaps rightfully so this time.

Tony must get off his high horse and go piss off somewhere else!! Is it not good enough that the buss will serve the people of Hangberg and Imizamo? That man rubs me up the wrong way!!! grrr

Urban Rambler

July 7th, 2011, 10:56 AM

For sure, but the fact that it will also serve the super rich of Llandudno is likely to overshadow that important fact.

RYebreAD

July 7th, 2011, 11:01 AM

Urban Rambler

July 7th, 2011, 11:06 AM

I’m still trying to figure out how Hout Bay went from being an isolated “republic” to an “inner city” suburb.

carudden

July 7th, 2011, 11:34 AM

The whole argument is a moot point IMHO. The MyCiti buses are WELL represented demographically.

Lydon

July 7th, 2011, 11:36 AM

I wonder what their motivation is when considering that the NEED is greater from the Cape Flats side...sure there are trains and busses and taxis from the Cape Flats/Khayalitscha areas, but one of the reasons for the BRT service is to provide a safe and regular alternative - which is hardly a NEED for the few who regularly take public transport along the Atlantic Seaboard.

Perhaps it is an economic concern once again - whoever can pay for the service gets it?

I disagree.

Cape Flats residents may indeed be in need of a safe, regular alternative to their current options, but the Atlantic Seaboard doesn't have much of a service to begin with at all. Therefore there's a great need along the Atlantic Seaboard.

The aim is to get people out of their cars and into the habit of using public transport. This will enable the service to expand into other areas of Cape Town quicker because there is both a need and people can afford to make use of the service. Whilst I certainly sympathise with the plight of those living in the Cape Flats, at least they have regular public transport services running to their area.

Considering this will be replacing Golden Arrow's simple Atlantic Seaboard service, perhaps Golden Arrow could use the extra buses to increase frequencies to the Cape Flats.

Nostra

July 7th, 2011, 12:08 PM

^^Forget the logic, this does not look good. DA is shooting itself in the foot yet again :ohno: .They should have a showpiece line to the Flats with all the bells and whistles.

RYebreAD

July 7th, 2011, 12:18 PM

I agree, take the service to Hout Bay and the seaboard, but not at the expense of areas and routes that have greater need for the service. The traffic in and out of HB is not bad at the wost of times - at most a top up service an station upgrade is needed for the seaboard..

Having said that, this is just one of the routes being worked on for commencement next year.

RYebreAD

July 7th, 2011, 12:21 PM

^^Forget the logic, this does not look good. DA is shooting itself in the foot yet again :ohno: .They should have a showpiece line to the Flats with all the bells and whistles.

Agreed...safe, efficient BRT for the people who NEED it the most - as was the intention before the project began - should now be a priority. Perhaps it was just badly highlighted though - this is just one of the routes commencing next year is it not?

mazeppa

July 7th, 2011, 12:37 PM

I don't understand what the fuss is about.

This is one of many feeder routes across the city. If it was a trunk route I would understand why it would be controversial.

Building feeder routes across the city is part of the overall strategy. There is no point in building many trunk routes into the city if you can't get from the civic station to anywhere else in the city. One of the reasons of the low uptake of the airport service is that you still have to get to and from the civic centre station.

They are planning the trunk routes to the flats and these will also happen in time.

annman

July 7th, 2011, 12:48 PM

^^ As far as I know. The IRT Phase 1 included the Atlantic Seaboard all along; thus they MUST complete it. It was in the business plan (otherwise there'd be screams of expenditure irregularities because they unilaterally deviated).

Why is nobody screaming "Racist Gautrain!?" Sandton, Hatfield, Centurion, Rosebank... sounds like Gauteng's Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Sea Point to me at 100 times the cost! The reason Gauteng did it is the same reason the CoCT did it, get the private car drivers off the road and into public transit. It isn't the resident of the Cape Flats choking up our roads, it's the rich bugger!

The Cape Flats is cemented for Phase 2. Phase 2 will not just be "feeder routes" like the ones going to the Atlantic Seaboard, it will be fully dedicated trunk routes. Phase 2, as far as I know, starts construction in the 3rd quarter of 2012.

That is what is SERIOUSLY wrong with this country right now: A panacea is preferred to a real solution. Let's pick a scapegoat and hammer it, rather than holistically look at the overall issue and solve it properly and methodically.

That is the DA's problem: I looks for the slower to implement large-scale solutions rather than the plaster-over-the-wound quick fix that garners quick political-appeasement but long-term social unrest (sounds a lot like SA's story from 1994-to-present).

IRT is going to cover the ENTIRE metropole. The West Coast/City was first in line as it had ZERO public transit alternative, of the most private vehicle commuters and the fastest growing suburbs. The south-east metro (Cape Flats) IS next as it has alternatives, but the greatest ridership need.

RYebreAD

July 7th, 2011, 01:15 PM

Eduan

July 7th, 2011, 01:35 PM

No one is screaming racist MyCiti. Would it have been a huge crisis to amend the phases to prioritise routes with more traffic/more need? The seaboard could have waited a few more months/years in their cars more easilythan people living in other areas who often have to endure protest, violence, bitter cold, no shelter...on top of already stressful lives (not to say seaboard residents dont have stressful lives).

The article highlights the fact that the next area the service is going into is an area which hardly needs the service RIGHT NOW. I understand that people need to be encouraged to leave their cars at home, but this is mainly in the case of a route with chronic congestion or in dire need of a safe alternative..or am I wrong?

IMO even the Southern Suburbs, with its many packed trains and busses, needs the service more urgently than HB and the seaboard. But like you say, the entire city will be covered by the service, I'm just confused as to why certain areas are prioritised and when.

I think it's simply a case of drawing up a plan and then sticking to it. The Hout Bay - Cape Town line is merely one of nine feeder services around the inner City, and it was planned from the beginning that the inner City services would be implemented as part of Phase 1A, right after the first part of the West Coast trunk line was implemented. This is exactly what they're doing now. After Phase 1, Pahse 2 will follow.

To "cut out" this one line from the planned roll-out just because the need is greater elsewhere in the city would simply not make sense. You would logically have to add one single feeder line somewhere on the Cape Flats, where it would have little impact, without connecting to a trunk. The whole project is about replacing one network (GA buses and taxis) with another network(BRT trunk and feeder buses), and that is not so simple. You cannot replace a network bit by bit, you have to do it chunk by chunk.

Mo Rush

July 7th, 2011, 01:47 PM

Also tranches of funding are already secured from treasury based on the current plan.

The entire first phase provides a full scope of lessons and experience to tackle Phase 2 properly.

It's not that Phase 2 is not a priority but that its very complex with over 50 operators that need to be consolidated, and a much higher demand.

It's also more important to keep placing pressure on PRASA to invest in new trains than to invest in a trunk route to the CBD.

What I would adjust is the scope of the Airport route to the CBD, and include stops/temporary stations to include those living around the Airport.

Eduan

July 7th, 2011, 02:02 PM

The Cape Flats is cemented for Phase 2. Phase 2 will not just be "feeder routes" like the ones going to the Atlantic Seaboard, it will be fully dedicated trunk routes. Phase 2, as far as I know, starts construction in the 3rd quarter of 2012.

Incidently, did anyone else notice how Phase 1B seems to have been quietly dropped from the masterplan?

Phase 1A was the West Coast trunk up to Du Noon and Atlantis, with feeders in the inner City, Atlantis, table View, etc.

Phase 2 is going to be trunks and feeders covering the entire South East metro, apparently starting with the Klipfontein corridor.

But in the original plan there were also trunklines from the airport to Bellville, Durbanville, and I think also to Somerset West and Constantia, as the second part of Phase 1. No-one mentions that anymore.

But then again, can you imagine what Tony Ehrenreich would have to say about BRT reaching Durbanville and Constantia? ;)

annman

July 7th, 2011, 02:13 PM

Urban Rambler

July 7th, 2011, 02:40 PM

^^ As Eduan said... cutting Hout Bay's feeder service to fully serve the Cape Flats is like proposing stopping a feeding scheme for orphans in Johannesburg to feed drought stricken Somalia... their reach's are just colossally different and their scale's of implementation, night and day. It's illogical to think they're doing Hout Bay at the cost of the entire Cape Flats.

The Cape Flats needs more than just a feeder service. As everyone has said... it was part of the plan. You can't just scrap it for shortsighted political point-scoring.

I don’t think anyone was suggesting they cut the Hout Bay feeder service and redirect the funds to the Cape Flats. The question is: why was Hout Bay included in the inner city plan to begin with when it’s clearly nowhere near the inner city?

It doesn’t matter what anyone says, it looks bad that far more middle class communities than poor communities are serviced by phase 1A, especially when it appears as if they’ve gone out of their way to include Llandudno and Hout Bay. The DA is not above politics – unfortunately point-scoring is important if they want to continue their good work. In time, I’m sure it will all fall into place, but the DA shouldn’t expect poorer voters to look at the bigger picture when they’re struggling to get to work.

Nostra

July 7th, 2011, 03:18 PM

^^Exactly, no one is saying those areas should not be served. Only that the areas of most in need are prioritised.

E.G. Rea Vaya Phase 1A started in Soweto but its phase 1B is in the burbs of Auckland Park and others.

Fundamental lesson of politics: You don't just do it, you need to be seen doing it.

RYebreAD

July 7th, 2011, 03:23 PM

Politics aside, it just doesnt make sense either. Not that i am complaining since half my family lives in Hout Bay, but really, I'm sure they could have stalled this leg of the service for a few months.

This project's 'schedule' changes regularly I'm sure. I don't mind the city sticking to the plan because I'm unaffected either way, but logically speaking, I'm sure if they even began work on the trunk route to an area that desparately needs it, it would make more sense. The article just seems like a smack in the face...

Eduan

July 7th, 2011, 04:51 PM

... I'm sure if they even began work on the trunk route to an area that desparately needs it, it would make more sense.

They are actually working on the trunk route, right now, as we speak, to Atlantis (from Tableview station northwards) and to Montague Gardens and Joe Slovo Park (along Racecourse Road). And I'd think that at least Atlantis would count as needing better transport desperately.

Eduan

July 7th, 2011, 04:58 PM

The question is: why was Hout Bay included in the inner city plan to begin with when it’s clearly nowhere near the inner city?

I think it's simply because the existing Golden Arrow service to Hout Bay logically ties in with the other inner city services. If they didn't implement the Hout Bay line together with the rest of the inner city lines, passengers from Hout Bay would somewhere have to get off a Golden Arrow bus and board a MyCiti bus to continue a journey that would previously be an unbroken one. But I'm just guessing here.

Mo Rush

July 7th, 2011, 05:23 PM

I appreciate that this debate has been fiery but positive and constructive. I hope nobody has an objection to this debate going up on futurecapetown.com, edited etc.

I think many valuable points are raised, but we must all remember the context & constraints within which these decisions are made. On the other hand, to become a great city requires e.g. the flexibility to dispatch unused buses if trains are packed or if a strike is taking place.

Lydon

July 7th, 2011, 05:28 PM

The seaboard could have waited a few more months/years in their cars more easilythan people living in other areas who often have to endure protest, violence, bitter cold, no shelter...on top of already stressful lives (not to say seaboard residents dont have stressful lives).

But what about people who don't have cars? I think that's the point of the feeder service to Hout Bay - to provide some sort of extensive public transport system to an area that is sorely lacking one. It'll most certainly benefit a great number of rich communities, but there are those poorer communities in Hout Bay who it'll service too.

I can understand how it may make the DA look bad in the short term, but I'd rather that happen and them implement a proper, working trunk route to the Cape Flats through the lessons they will have learnt now. In order to service the Cape Flats they're going to need just that, though - a trunk route. Delaying the Atlantic Seaboard feeder service isn't going to get that trunk route up any quicker, as they can't use the funds to build part of a trunk route. That's in the best interest of nobody. Either way the Atlantic Seaboard is going to get a feeder service, so there's no reason for them not to implement it now and service as many people as possible other than for political point scoring. It's not like there's an election around the corner anyway.

nixon73

July 7th, 2011, 06:33 PM

Personally I believe the HB route is more about giving tourists access to the trendy beaches without having them relying on taxis. Have you ever had to try and find parking along there on a hot day!?

p.s. greets all :)

Pule

July 7th, 2011, 07:12 PM

^^Forget the logic, this does not look good. DA is shooting itself in the foot yet again :ohno: .They should have a showpiece line to the Flats with all the bells and whistles.
Dankie Nostra, I agree with you. Those who spent more than 30% of their money on transport need this service more than those who can commute in their cars. Those poor are staying a far distant from their work place there fore their needs are more than those in Lundandho. I like MyCiti a lot and it's one of the best things that has ever happened to Cape but a consideration need to be made to as urgent as possible to accomodate those in Cape Flats, Khayelisha, Gugs and other disadvantaged areas.

annman

July 7th, 2011, 08:32 PM

Dankie Nostra, I agree with you. Those who spent more than 30% of their money on transport need this service more than those who can commute in their cars. Those poor are staying a far distant from their work place there fore their needs are more than those in Lundandho. I like MyCiti a lot and it's one of the best things that has ever happened to Cape but a consideration need to be made to as urgent as possible to accomodate those in Cape Flats, Khayelisha, Gugs and other disadvantaged areas.

I agree with you Puls, but only partially. The West Coast trunk route is done... it cannot be reversed now, so debating it is like debating if we should've had the World Cup or not. Once Golden Arrow's contract expires when the Atlantic Seaboard feeder service is activated, Hout Bay's service goes too. How are the people of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg supposed to get around? People forget these are some of Cape Town's poorest lack-of-service hot-spots.

The Cape Flats CANNOT be taken lightly and the IRT implemented there on a whim. If you thought the consultation process in the West Coast was complex, wait for phase 2! Plus, the capital outlay of Phase 2 will be much larger than Phase 1. The Cape Flats will get more than other regions, but it is a hot-potato area with huge capital injections needed.

To be honest, if I was the city's transport manager who is doing a BRT for the first time, I'd want the experience of one major trunk route, before I go into the big leagues in tackling the Cape Flats. I'm estimating that the cost will be double the West Coast system.

Taking MyCiTi buses and simply "feeding" them into Gugs, Nyanga, Mitchells and Khayelitsha won't solve a single thing. It will set off an instantaneous taxi war and the major issues: freeway traffic; poor intermodal connectivity; unsafe-transit will still be there.

A proper, well-planned, all-inclusive, cooperative Trunk Route MyCiTi system is required for the Cape Flats. Not a quick fix... quick fixes appease the masses, but generally fail, leaving them angrier than before. I can guarantee you, the DA strategists probably talked about the fast-track implementation of MyCiTi to the Flats to score political points; those guys are cunning politicians. The CoCT and DA probably said No, we're doing this right and with experience under our belt, or not at all.

Mr.billabongtcm

July 7th, 2011, 08:56 PM

^^Forget the logic, this does not look good. DA is shooting itself in the foot yet again :ohno: .They should have a showpiece line to the Flats with all the bells and whistles.
Why? To please Tony Ehrenreich and the rest of the ANC?

Eduan

July 7th, 2011, 10:05 PM

For sure, but the fact that it will also serve the super rich of Llandudno is likely to overshadow that important fact.

Those poor are staying a far distant from their work place there fore their needs are more than those in Lundandho.

I don't think we should stare ourselves blind against Llandudno being on the route. It's not the IRT planners' fault that this little suburb happens to lie right between the (legitimate) points they wanted to connect, and we shouldn't blame them for including it on the map. They certainly did not design this route around Llandudno.

And on a lighter note: do you really think the super rich are going to walk all the way up that steep hill to catch a bus?

Urban Rambler

July 7th, 2011, 10:19 PM

I don't think we should stare ourselves blind against Llandudno being on the route. It's not the IRT planners' fault that this little suburb happens to lie right between the (legitimate) points they wanted to connect, and we shouldn't blame them for including it on the map. They certainly did not design this route around Llandudno.

And on a lighter note: do you really think the super rich are going to walk all the way up that steep hill to catch a bus?
Good point. Plus, Llandudno residents are the ultimate nimbys. I’m surprised they haven’t protested against the feeder route. At the end of the day, the bus will make it easier for the rest of us to get to Sandy Bay.:lol:

Pule

July 8th, 2011, 07:42 AM

I agree with you Puls, but only partially. The West Coast trunk route is done... it cannot be reversed now, so debating it is like debating if we should've had the World Cup or not. Once Golden Arrow's contract expires when the Atlantic Seaboard feeder service is activated, Hout Bay's service goes too. How are the people of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg supposed to get around? People forget these are some of Cape Town's poorest lack-of-service hot-spots.

The Cape Flats CANNOT be taken lightly and the IRT implemented there on a whim. If you thought the consultation process in the West Coast was complex, wait for phase 2! Plus, the capital outlay of Phase 2 will be much larger than Phase 1. The Cape Flats will get more than other regions, but it is a hot-potato area with huge capital injections needed.

To be honest, if I was the city's transport manager who is doing a BRT for the first time, I'd want the experience of one major trunk route, before I go into the big leagues in tackling the Cape Flats. I'm estimating that the cost will be double the West Coast system.

Taking MyCiTi buses and simply "feeding" them into Gugs, Nyanga, Mitchells and Khayelitsha won't solve a single thing. It will set off an instantaneous taxi war and the major issues: freeway traffic; poor intermodal connectivity; unsafe-transit will still be there.

A proper, well-planned, all-inclusive, cooperative Trunk Route MyCiTi system is required for the Cape Flats. Not a quick fix... quick fixes appease the masses, but generally fail, leaving them angrier than before. I can guarantee you, the DA strategists probably talked about the fast-track implementation of MyCiTi to the Flats to score political points; those guys are cunning politicians. The CoCT and DA probably said No, we're doing this right and with experience under our belt, or not at all.

I get you buddy and yes we can't change what is already in the "implementation stage" but going forward the City needs to appropritely set it's priorities and be considering to those feeling more pain.

RYebreAD

July 8th, 2011, 08:47 AM

But what about people who don't have cars? I think that's the point of the feeder service to Hout Bay - to provide some sort of extensive public transport system to an area that is sorely lacking one. It'll most certainly benefit a great number of rich communities, but there are those poorer communities in Hout Bay who it'll service too.

I can understand how it may make the DA look bad in the short term, but I'd rather that happen and them implement a proper, working trunk route to the Cape Flats through the lessons they will have learnt now. In order to service the Cape Flats they're going to need just that, though - a trunk route. Delaying the Atlantic Seaboard feeder service isn't going to get that trunk route up any quicker, as they can't use the funds to build part of a trunk route. That's in the best interest of nobody. Either way the Atlantic Seaboard is going to get a feeder service, so there's no reason for them not to implement it now and service as many people as possible other than for political point scoring. It's not like there's an election around the corner anyway.

Hout Bay does have a regular -ish service though. Sure, it isnt the best or most reliable time wise, but it is there and if one used some initiative, it is a good system. My point is that there is no traffic to aleviate NOW. There are congested, dangerous and far flung areas/routes that need it more than the seaboard who already have a stable service.

Having said that, it is all part of the master plan and I'm completely on board with it. Its just hard to justify the prioritising of this route other than to serve the few locals and few tourists who would be using it. This route, be it feeder or no, could have waited.

RYebreAD

July 8th, 2011, 08:49 AM

Why? To please Tony Ehrenreich and the rest of the ANC?

No, to give a safe reliable transport system to areas that need it and to alleviate traffic along the MOST congested routes. No politics involved.

annman

July 8th, 2011, 11:10 AM

RYebreAD

July 8th, 2011, 12:08 PM

^^ Ryebread, you are not really reading my posts. HOW is Hangberg and Imizamo Yetho's residents supposed to get around when the Golden Arrow's contracts for the Atlantic Seaboard expire. How is not doing the Hout Bay feeder route in favour for the Cape Flats really going to help when I have listed the issues of doing it?

It seems you're arguing idealism versus reality of alleviating the real problem.

Why are we debating this... the Cape Flats (Phase 2) is next!

No possible extension of the contract? No possible minor upgrades while planning on the Cape Flats start in ernest? If Golden Arrow are indeed shareholders in the service, I am sure they would be willing to negotiate. If they did agree to this, there would be no problem as the service in Hout Bay as it stands is sufficient given patronage and traffic levels compared to other areas.

I know the debate wont change anything, its just airing of opinions, no?

Mo Rush

July 8th, 2011, 01:10 PM

No, to give a safe reliable transport system to areas that need it and to alleviate traffic along the MOST congested routes. No politics involved.

Your issue should be with PRASA and Metrorail.

RYebreAD

July 8th, 2011, 02:04 PM

Your issue should be with PRASA and Metrorail.

Yes and no.

Yes - upgrade the trains and the infrustructure, improve maintenance, improve reliability as this is the main mode of transport for most of the areas in question.

No - the likelihood of Prasa and Metrorail getting off their asses is small at best for the foreseable future. Unless something has come from the Cities' intention to remove them? The MyCiti system is assured, Phase 2 IS happening.

Even if metrorail and Prasa decide to pull out all the stops for the city, it would more than likely take years before anything gets off the ground. In any case, the MyCiti service is meant to tie in with and compliment the train services and can easily be amended once Prasa and Metrorail finally come to the party.

Lydon's point was - get cars off the road? True! The cars along the M5, N2, Klipfontein Corridor, N1, etc, those cars all come from areas serviced by Metrorail. This bus service will provide those who choose cars over the unsafe and unreliable trains to opt for the MyCiti.

I know the feeder route to HB is all part of the first phase, but the question is simply where is the greatest amount of traffic congestion and where do people NEED the service sooner given the objectives of the MyCiti service? I dont think anyone can honestly say the need is more urgent along the seaboard.

Side note: I CANNOT wait to use the service to HB!!! :nuts:

Letter16

July 8th, 2011, 03:40 PM

for the sake of public transport and the image of the irt; i hope there is significant tangible headway made in exteding the the irt to the cape flats before all these feeders are fully operational. whichever way you look at it. phase 1 is not a good look.

with regards to metrorail, their incompetence has always made for a convenient scapegoat against prioritising public transport in the areas like mitchells plain and khayeltsha. but it is an excuse that wears thinner with each passing year of no action from metrorail. metrorail has been crap for decades-plan for your citizens with this in mind. they wont accept that as an excuse.

prasa deserves a healthy share of critism and blame for the current state of transport on the cape flats, but the responsibilty in improving it is not prasa's alone. also local and provinsial government are more in the voters' firing line than metrorail/prasa who hide behing several layers of national government-so it serves you better to be attentive to the needs of commuters than it does prasa.

metrorail's current infrastructure is also grossly inadequate. even with new trains, signalling systems etc. there are what? 8/9 stations on 2 single lines serving sprawling mitchells plain and khayelitsha with a joint population of over a million people. some people easily live kms from the nearest train station in khayelitsha. with no money,space and time to build new rail lines brt systems are always going to be needed here.

by starting the irt between tableview and the city; and THEN taking it to the cape flats also makes the argument citing prasa sound dishonest. it begs the question "what made you change your thinking on prasa?"

the only truth is that the city prioritised easing traffic over relieving the travel conditions of residents who are at the mercy of bad public transport. you can't expect commuters crammed on late trains to be understanding of that forever.

rea vaya is an example a different prioritisaton and its working well

with regards to the future image and sustainability of the irt, the city needs to get into PR overdrive and get more involved in managing public perception of the irt and showing commitment to phase 2, due to the volatile nature of the irt discussion as it stands. eg. there has been no public detail on what the plans are exactly for phase 2. routes, deadlines/milestones or anything other than -phase 2 is next.

Mr.billabongtcm

July 8th, 2011, 07:15 PM

I blame Tony.E for this unncecesary debate. Let's face it, if he hadn't brought up this topic most of you wouldn't have the point of views you have now.If people like him stopped thinking so political and rather more logical, this country would be a much better place for all.

Firstly Table View. I know this is a old topic but my opinion about the matter links with the debate. The whole point of phase 1 was linking the city and Atlantis - an area which is in dire need of a reliable transport system considering they are so far away form the city. Some of you seem to forget that. They only have taxi's and Golden Arrow where as the Cape Flats has taxi's, Golden Arrow AND Metrorail. So everyone saying that the Civic-Bayside route only benefits the upper class of Milnerton, Table View etc, should keep in mind that Baydise is just the half way mark. Did they expect the city to build a bridge over Tablbe View?

That brings me to my next point. It does would not logically make sense building a brand new train track all the way from Cape Town to Johannesburg then first build Cape and Johannesburg stations, have the service start and only then start building the stations in between. Do you guys catch my drift. One step at a time...

Also, besides for the Cape Flats, there are plenty other poor-stricken areas also in need of basic transport services. Lest us forget about them. My CiTi's isn't neccesarily there to serve the poor or lower class and it's most certainly not the only or main reason the service was introduced. Though Metrorail and Golden Arrow's services aren't of the best quality, it's not My CiTi's responsibilty to make up, where they lack.

I think we should all be more positive and support the city. This service is after all there to benefit EVERYONE in Cape Town.

Upington

July 10th, 2011, 03:13 AM

....i think the city is taking the right approach......the system is needed mostly for areas where people don't want to get out of their cars......the Cape Flats people use public transport already.....it might be crappy, but they are already "back in the future" to say the least.....another reason.....drive thru the Cape Flats, they still use donkey carts.....my God, imagine a MyCiti bus following a donkey cart on the bus lane.......and has anyone seen those goats, donkeys, cows grazing on the side of the road......or am i imagining things????.....why is the city not doing anything about animal control in the city limits???.......i thought there was a by-law about that.........no, right now, the Cape Flats needs housing, not MyCiti......that can be built 20 years from now in my opinion.......

Sylv1

July 10th, 2011, 09:31 AM

I suppose one of the key aim of MyCiti is to ease traffic congestion. Most of which probably originate from wealthy white suburbs. So it makes sense to do it there first. However, this is no excuse for not upgrading and improving transport in the township. If the DA are serious about their electoral pledge they should focus infrastructure investment on improving the lives of ordinary capetonians.

Mo Rush

July 10th, 2011, 11:52 AM

Awesome.e

July 10th, 2011, 01:34 PM

I don't think the wealthy people will abandon their cars and take public transport instead. the IRT system will be targeting those middle income households that uses a car but will not mind taking a bus/train to work if its safe and efficient. I have a car but I will rather take a bus if I feel really safe to do so and most importantly that I can get from point A to point B at the time expected. People cant take a bus/trains if it delays by 10,20mins every so often. In advanced countries. People complain when the train comes 1 min late. I think mismanaging transport infrastructure in a country cost the country a lot of money (in terms of GDP). Sitting in traffic every rush hour cost the economy billions of rands a year not to mention the people that arrived at work late because of trains delaying or bus drivers striking.

Lydon

July 10th, 2011, 01:42 PM

I doubt the wealthy will abandon their cars either. As long as we can get the middle class on board, the system will be a success, as they're the large majority of cars clogging up roads.

Lydon

July 10th, 2011, 07:26 PM

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/PublishingImages/News%20Images/CivicCen1.jpg
City of Cape Town (http://www.capetown.gov.za/)

Mr.billabongtcm

July 11th, 2011, 03:20 PM

More MyCiTi Routes Start Soon

Posted on March 2, 2011 by admin

Contractors will soon start construction work on the R27 to extend the dedicated red bus lanes and non-motorised transport (NMT) lanes beyond Bayside Mall at the Blaauwberg Road intersection, to the Sandown Road East intersection at the West Coast Village shopping centre. The trunk route will also be expanded in the Race Course Road area.

The construction work forms part of the introduction of the MyCiTi Public Transport service, which will bring reliable, efficient public transport to residents of the West Coast, who will be the first beneficiaries of the service.

Work that will soon commence includes:

Part 1: Extending the dedicated red bus lanes (IRT trunk route) and NMT lanes on the R27. Work has started and should be completed by June 2012.

Part 2: Integrating the NMT aspects of the MyCiTi project with the road network. Work will start at the end of February and is scheduled for completion by December 2011.

Part 3: The final configuration of road works around the Paddocks and hospital area of Racecourse Road is still being finalized and will be communicated to the public. The Racecourse Road Trunk Route will be expanded and the NMT aspects of the project will be integrated with the road network in this area. Work on this specific stretch is scheduled to start in March 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in July 2012.

A meeting will soon be called to discuss traffic accommodation with all affected parties, as this project’s success is largely dependent on traffic accommodation .
Courtesy of Cape Business News
http://www.cbn.co.za/index.php?Page=daily&daily_id=5323″>

Mr.billabongtcm

July 11th, 2011, 03:56 PM

Question: Will taxi's still be operating on the new feeder routes like Kloof Street, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Waterfront etc?

carudden

July 14th, 2011, 12:45 PM

One Month Later

MyCiti has come a long way in just over a month. My first round trip (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=78694012&postcount=1770) on 29 May took me 240 minutes in total. Today it takes 130 minutes.

This is still 25 minutes longer each way than it would take me in the car - but I prefer the bus:

Catch up on the news
Listen to music
Relax
My car is not parked on the street for the whole day
R300 saving per month.

The staff are very helpful, and try their best to appease when there is a problem (twice a feeder bus never arrived - had to wait for the next timeslot)

All in all, I'm enjoying the MyCiti service, and am now anxiously awaiting the new trunk stop at West Coast Village, and the new feeder routes to begin operating in the CBD.

p.s. Any news on that T1 Express?

Urban Rambler

July 19th, 2011, 08:53 AM

The station on Hans Strydom Ave looks very near to completion. It’s going to be called Thibault Square station, not Hans Strydom station, right?

Eduan

July 19th, 2011, 02:40 PM

The station on Hans Strydom Ave looks very near to completion. It’s going to be called Thibault Square station, not Hans Strydom station, right?

I'm pretty sure it will be Thibault Square.

(although personally I'd like it if they leave out the 'Square' like they left out the 'Street', 'Road', etc from other station names.)

Mo Rush

July 20th, 2011, 01:27 PM

City launches competition to find mascot for MyCiTi

MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 468 / 2011
19 JULY 2011

The City of Cape Town is launching a search for a mascot which will be used to represent the MyCiTi service. The mascot will be used to help market the system, educate people about using MyCiTi and to create awareness of the service being developed across the peninsula.

Over the next couple of weeks, people can submit their ideas of what they think the mascot should look like.

“Capetonians are very creative and artistic, and we hope they will use this chance to create their very own MyCiTi Mascot,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron.

The winning designer will receive a six month pass to ride on the MyCiTi buses free of charge.

A team of judges have been appointed to evaluate the entries received and pick a final winner. “Some design changes may be applied to the winning design, to make it usable on our system,” said Herron.

The judging panel consists of scholars, design experts, marketing professionals and City of Cape Town representatives, including Cllr Herron.

Jon Cherry, the co-founder of marketing and communications production company Cherryflava Media and the editor of Cherryflava dot com, welcomed the chance to be part of the panel. “I’m excited to be a judge for the City of Cape Town’s MyCiTi services’ mascot; anything to promote our sexy public transport service.”

He is also joined by Rashiq Fataar, an influential blogger and founder of Future Cape Town, “I think it's become increasingly important to ensure that all Capetonians have a sense of ownership with regards to the MyCiTi system. A mascot could help reach out and spread the message to all communities as the project expands across the Cape Peninsula in years to come,” said Fataar.

Entrants need to send in a computer-generated drawing or a sketch of what they think the mascot should look like, or a 3D model, no bigger than an average shoe-box, and are encouraged to name their mascot too.

Judges will look at the manner in which the designs have incorporated the personality of Cape Town, the use of the MyCiTi brand colours and for a mascot that is fun, fresh and friendly.

The final mascot will be produced by the City and unveiled to the public in September, during Creative Week Cape Town and in the build up to the Loerie Awards being held in Cape Town – one of the biggest celebrations of creative talent in South Africa.

Drop off your mascot design at the offices of HWB Communications, 4 Myrtle Street, Gardens or e-mail it to myciti@capetown.gov.za. You can also fax your design to 021 462 0427

For more information call 021 462 1706.

The closing date for entries is 17:00(5pm) on 10 August 2011.

END

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT, CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CLLR BRETT HERRON
MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER: TRANSPORT, ROADS & STORMWATER
TEL: 021 400 1298 CELL: 082 518 3264

KYLIE HATTON,
MANAGER: MEDIA
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 4684 CELL: 082 874 6054

James0

July 20th, 2011, 03:27 PM

Please no meerkats. Is it possible for a mascot to avoid being tacky and stupid? I can't think of an example where a fuzzy animal has improved a brand.

Mo Rush

July 20th, 2011, 03:57 PM

I'll make a note of that when we decide.

James0

July 20th, 2011, 03:58 PM

Thanks. ;)

Andrew_za

July 20th, 2011, 04:05 PM

A mascot? What about some visible signs, timetables, or radio ad?

Lydon

July 20th, 2011, 05:32 PM

Please no meerkats. Is it possible for a mascot to avoid being tacky and stupid? I can't think of an example where a fuzzy animal has improved a brand.

Don't say that...we might end up with those tragic London Olympic mascots :nuts:

James0

July 20th, 2011, 06:43 PM

Mo, to guard against Lydon's fears, please also vote down any entries with bus LEDs on top of their heads.

(Seriously, though. How can the idea of adopting a mascot for a public transport system not be awful and slightly infantile?)

JohanSA

July 21st, 2011, 12:27 AM

Hehe Mo is one of the Judges :D

Marsupalami

July 21st, 2011, 08:23 AM

I vote for a Baboon as the mascot :) ...or a penguin called Pikkie

Urban Rambler

July 21st, 2011, 10:25 AM

Seriously, though. How can the idea of adopting a mascot for a public transport system not be awful and slightly infantile?

+1

Can’t say I like the idea, but I’ve passed it on to some designer friends.

MrChavcore

July 23rd, 2011, 06:14 PM

oh no! a mascot? how cheap! :(

Lydon

July 23rd, 2011, 06:18 PM

Can't we suggest they don't have a mascot, and have it count as an entry? :)

Urban Rambler

July 23rd, 2011, 10:57 PM

Perhaps we could propose an invisible mascot.

MrChavcore

July 24th, 2011, 12:22 AM

Perhaps we could propose an invisible mascot.

sounds good! :banana:

Lydon

July 24th, 2011, 01:11 PM

Perhaps we draw up a letter and gain some support for the idea of no mascot :)

Mo Rush

July 24th, 2011, 07:59 PM

What will I judge if there is no mascot? haha

RYebreAD

August 2nd, 2011, 09:37 AM

Sorry for quality, drive by photography aint easy...:nuts:
Work progress under the bridge in Gardens - ground work started

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1199.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1204.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1200.jpg

Hans Strijdom, Fountain Circle and Adderley Street - glass and fencing installed, road markings and traffic lights seem complete.

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1219.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1223.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1224.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1226.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1228.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1230.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1233.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1236-1.jpg

RYebreAD

August 2nd, 2011, 09:43 AM

Civic Centre feeder route points

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1250.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1243.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1242.jpg

Diggerdog

August 2nd, 2011, 10:04 AM

Well done on the photos - I think this is starting to look like a real deal first world urban transport system now - in a few years, this will be bedded in and people will hardly remember the days when we had f-all public transport!

carudden

August 2nd, 2011, 10:09 AM

Nice photos!

Anyone got news on the phasing out of the paper tickets, extension until 31 July has come and gone..

Lydon

August 2nd, 2011, 10:32 AM

I can't wait until they get rid of them. They clip and stamp and write on them so many times.

carudden

August 2nd, 2011, 10:35 AM

I can't wait until they get rid of them. They clip and stamp and write on them so many times.

Yes, and every conductor has their own idea of what must happen to them.
I've been offered free rides by some. "No, you don't give the ticket to me, you hand it in on the trunk!"

Edit: go on Lydon, 1 more post to 10 000!

Pule

August 2nd, 2011, 01:55 PM

Happy 10 000 posts Lydon... :)

Lydon

August 2nd, 2011, 05:27 PM

Why thank you :)

Mo Rush

August 2nd, 2011, 09:25 PM

Lydon for mod.

Pule

August 2nd, 2011, 11:55 PM

^^ that I would certainly support.

Lydon

August 3rd, 2011, 06:35 AM

:lol: Thanks folk.

Andrew_za

August 3rd, 2011, 03:22 PM

Loving this :)

Hans Strijdom.

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1223.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1224.jpg
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1228.jpg

Also seems those guys took a while to cross the road- pressing the button would have helped.

hsark

August 9th, 2011, 09:14 PM

hey is there any chance of this getting to rondebosh ? would be awesome to use it when going to watch bishops rugga in the morning hammered and not having to worry bout the popo

RYebreAD

August 10th, 2011, 09:08 AM

Newlands BP, some marketing on the rolling signage...

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1269.jpg

A clearer-ish picture of the Gardens station progress

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af19/ryebreadcpt/IMG_1337.jpg

James0

August 10th, 2011, 05:05 PM

hey is there any chance of this getting to rondebosh ? would be awesome to use it when going to watch bishops rugga in the morning hammered and not having to worry bout the popo

Do not ever say this to Tony Ehrenreich.

GetDownAdam

August 11th, 2011, 07:03 PM

Had my first ride today. Gardens to Waterfront. Not the most direct route, but pretty snazzy all the same. In terms of the bus lanes, there should be special signage notifying pedestrians to not walk in them. I swear my driver was aiming for them, and every time he scared someone he let out quite a manic laugh.

EduardSA

August 12th, 2011, 10:15 AM

^^ Must be an ex-taxi driver

carudden

August 12th, 2011, 11:17 AM

^^ Must be an ex-taxi driver
They're the nicest drivers - get us where we wanna be, double quick time!

Andrew_za

August 19th, 2011, 10:39 AM

Cape commuters swop their cars for speedy IRT

Thousands of commuters have been using Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT), with some 23 600 passenger trips recorded for July alone.

This is according to mayoral committee member for transport, roads and stormwater Brett Herron.

"We've seen 23 600 passenger trips in July. There are about 9 000 daily. On weekends, we're at about 5 000 passenger trips. What's encouraging is that we are seeing passengers during off-peak times," Herron told the mayoral committee.

These figures are for the main route from Table View station on Blaauwberg Road to the Civic Centre station on Hertzog Boulevard.

It also includes the inner city loop and the V&A Waterfront service.

Herron said another highlight in the City of Cape Town's latest IRT progress report was the introduction of an automated system which would replace paper tickets.

"We will see the introduction of a modern fair collection system, which will be commencing very soon in the early part of next year. The inner city service progress is well in place," Herron said.

Regular IRT commuters also gave the system the thumbs-up.

UCT student Inam Mbombo makes use of the buses daily.

"In terms of timing, the MyCiTi buses are more convenient than the Golden Arrow buses," she said.

"Golden Arrow buses are not as good during off-peak times. They are also usually very full in the morning whereas the MyCiTi buses always have comfortable standing room in the aisles."

Mbombo said missing the bus was a problem if you were in a rush as the buses only came along every 30 minutes during off-peak times and waited only a few seconds for commuters at each stop.

She said she used the feeder routes only on weekends, but she found that these were convenient.

Milnerton resident Linda Levin said she found the buses to be extremely full in the mornings.

When the Cape Times visited the bus station during lunchtime yesterday accompanied by Levin, she said: "Now it's fine. In the morning it's very full.

"But it's a very good service. I mean, I used to drive my car to work and now I take the bus each morning."

She said she got to work within 30 minutes each morning if she left just after 7am.

"The only problem is the morning buses are very full. They start at Bayside Mall and by the time they get to my station (Racecourse Road) they are full.

"I stand 80 percent of the time," she said.

Levin also said she was saving about 50 percent on what she used to pay for petrol each month when she used to drive her car to work.

She said the atmosphere on the buses filled her with hope.

"Actually, when I first used the bus I was on a high. It was like the new South Africa," she said.

"I'm happy because it allows a whole array of people (to be together). And I feel safe on the bus."

Cape Times

Jakes1

August 22nd, 2011, 09:50 AM

Am I daft? 23 600 passenger trips in July, but 9000 daily and 5000 over weekends? I guess it was 236 000?

Lydon

August 22nd, 2011, 09:52 AM

Yeah, I think they left a 0 out :)

23 600/month wouldn't be much to celebrate at all.

Svartmetall

August 23rd, 2011, 04:22 PM

Mo Rush

August 23rd, 2011, 04:28 PM

Been following the PT developments in CT for a while now and I'm impressed by the initial patronage of 236,000/month. If that level of patronage is maintained, it will be more successful than the much more expensive Northern Busway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Busway,_Auckland) in Auckland. Congrats, Cape Town. You have done a lot to assuage my initial scepticism in the project!

By comparison Cape Town has 550,000 passenger trips on rail per DAY.

Mo Rush

August 23rd, 2011, 04:40 PM

Yeah, though the big difference between the IRT and Metrorail is the clientele, am I correct? Whilst the rail system grabs a lot of patronage from the Cape Flats and poorer districts of the city primarily, the IRT is managing to grab more wealthy Capetonians from their cars, and for me that is a massive measure of success. If people with a choice of travel mode choose to take a service, then it speaks volumes as to its quality. Though if my impression is incorrect please correct me as I am only an interested outsider looking in. :)

Yip difference between mass transit effect of rail and IRT. IRT still lags in marketing and communication and basic things like signgage, and operational issues in terms of the flow of the buses.

IRT Phase 1A may grab more middle income people but Phase 2 will connect to rail in the Metro South East, in "poorer" districts.

Svartmetall

August 23rd, 2011, 04:42 PM

By comparison Cape Town has 550,000 passenger trips on rail per DAY.

Yeah, though the big difference between the IRT and Metrorail is the clientele, am I correct? Whilst the rail system grabs a lot of patronage from the Cape Flats and poorer districts of the city primarily, the IRT is managing to grab more wealthy Capetonians from their cars, and for me that is a massive measure of success. If people with a choice of travel mode choose to take a service, then it speaks volumes as to its quality. Though if my impression is incorrect please correct me as I am only an interested outsider looking in. :)

Mo Rush

August 23rd, 2011, 04:52 PM

Been following the PT developments in CT for a while now and I'm impressed by the initial patronage of 236,000/month. If that level of patronage is maintained, it will be more successful than the much more expensive Northern Busway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Busway,_Auckland) in Auckland. Congrats, Cape Town. You have done a lot to assuage my initial scepticism in the project!

Actually did a blog post on the Link buses at futurecapetown.com
The branding is quite good, and the colours are something I would push for for an inner city service in Cape Town.

Svartmetall

August 23rd, 2011, 05:11 PM

Actually did a blog post on the Link buses at futurecapetown.com
The branding is quite good, and the colours are something I would push for for an inner city service in Cape Town.

If you are interested in different public transport branding for bus services then I can suggest another thing you might want to look at. Right across Sweden there is something called "Stombusslinje" which are basically high frequency bus services differentiated from normal bus services by different colours or branding. In Stockholm, these are uniquely branded as Blue buses (Blåbuss). Unlike the normal red buses in Stockholm which feed the rail system and act as feeders, the blue buses have the slogan "see bus, think tram". These buses have been so successful that they run incredibly frequently right across the city and nearly all lines are operated by extra long articulated buses. One line is so popular that it has up to 40,000 people using it on a daily basis (that's 14.6 million people using one bus line a year). Even more impressive is the triple articulated bus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Gothenburg-bus-16-by-BIL.jpg?uselang=sv) used in Gothenburg and operated at 5 minute frequencies throughout the day due to demand (excuse the photo, it was dirty from the snow and grit spray). As a side note, they are all run on biogas/biofuels too!

Hope that gives you more case studies to look at! Auckland isn't always the best city to learn public transport policy from. :)

Mo Rush

August 23rd, 2011, 06:14 PM

If you are interested in different public transport branding for bus services then I can suggest another thing you might want to look at. Right across Sweden there is something called "Stombusslinje" which are basically high frequency bus services differentiated from normal bus services by different colours or branding. In Stockholm, these are uniquely branded as Blue buses (Blåbuss). Unlike the normal red buses in Stockholm which feed the rail system and act as feeders, the blue buses have the slogan "see bus, think tram". These buses have been so successful that they run incredibly frequently right across the city and nearly all lines are operated by extra long articulated buses. One line is so popular that it has up to 40,000 people using it on a daily basis (that's 14.6 million people using one bus line a year). Even more impressive is the triple articulated bus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Gothenburg-bus-16-by-BIL.jpg?uselang=sv) used in Gothenburg and operated at 5 minute frequencies throughout the day due to demand (excuse the photo, it was dirty from the snow and grit spray). As a side note, they are all run on biogas/biofuels too!

Hope that gives you more case studies to look at! Auckland isn't always the best city to learn public transport policy from. :)

Thanks. Will definitely check it out.

Post about Auckland mainly related to the timing of the looming World Cup, and how with simple branding and decent signgage not everything is rocket science.

While travelling around Spain I was impressed by how each city, metro or no metro, had a basic bus system, whether it was going up the hills of Granada or just your average boulevard in Madrid. Basic information, with the time till the next bus, etc. without much clutter.

SA BOY

August 23rd, 2011, 07:27 PM

Mo Rush

August 23rd, 2011, 07:43 PM

Mo will IRT go into Atlantis up the R27 or stop where the current construction stops at west coast mall (being extended)? drive up to atlantis regularly and se zero changes along the route or into Atlantis its self

IRT ends at Atlantis.

Tender awarded.

CONSTRUCTION OF ATLANTIS INTEGRATED RAPID TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE: TRUNK ROUTE STATIONS, ROADWORKS AND SERVICES IN MELKBOSSTRAND AND ATLANTIS

Martin & East (Pty) Ltd

R56 241 244.59

SA BOY

August 24th, 2011, 10:03 AM

cool, would be nice to see it finished cos its a disaster traveling around there at the moment. Nice to see the end of the line linked better to the city.

Any plans available for this? will it come into Melkbos?

KiwiRob

August 25th, 2011, 09:12 AM

Even more impressive is the triple articulated bus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Gothenburg-bus-16-by-BIL.jpg?uselang=sv) used in Gothenburg and operated at 5 minute frequencies throughout the day due to demand (excuse the photo, it was dirty from the snow and grit spray). As a side note, they are all run on biogas/biofuels too!

Wrong terminology, it's a double articulated, or bi-articulated bus, a triple articulated bus would have a third joint, with a forth passanger cabin, I very much doubt many/any cities would want one of those on their roads.

Svartmetall

August 25th, 2011, 11:32 AM

Wrong terminology, it's a double articulated, or bi-articulated bus, a triple articulated bus would have a third joint, with a forth passanger cabin, I very much doubt many/any cities would want one of those on their roads.

Thanks for the correction, Rob. Sure, some might not like them, but they've been successful in Gothenburg, a number of cities in The Netherlands and they're looking at introducing them to Leeds too in the UK. It's not for every city, but they can be useful if one doesn't wish to install the infrastructure associated with trams.

Anyway, I shouldn't derail this thread with that discussion. I only gave Mo an example of bus branding that I know of.

Diggerdog

August 29th, 2011, 07:07 AM

BRT boost sales in Bloubergstrand
28 Aug 2011

Cape Town’s rapid transit system is boosting interest in properties in Bloubergstrand on the Atlantic coast where a new private school is due to open in the neighbouring suburb of Parklands.

A renovated family home selling in a Big Bay secure estate is on the market for R3.7million. It has five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a pool and entertainment area.
Pam Golding Properties says that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system provides a convenient service to commuters who need to travel to Cape Town or its suburbs.

For years people living in Bloubergstrand had to battle with traffic congestion and lengthy commuting time.

According to Ivan Swart, PGP’s area manager for the Western Seaboard, the BRT has been a resounding success for the area and the operators of the service are considering introducing additional buses to cope with the high demand from commuters.

The Blouberg area comprises the old suburb of Bloubergstrand and various satellites such as Blouberg Sands, Blouberg Rise, West Beach and Bloubergrant. Swart says that properties and prices do range from one area to the next but all of them offer a relaxed, healthy and outdoor lifestyle with access to excellent beachfront facilities and wonderful views of Table Mountain and the City Bowl.

Properties in the Blouberg area range in price with studio bachelor apartments costing about R1million and luxurious beachfront homes on the market for between R15million and R30million.

Swart says that there are a large number of beachfront apartments on the market right now at prices of between R1.5million and R3million and penthouses are priced at between R6million and R15million in the suburb.

He says that there are a number of affordable family homes available in the Blourbergrant area where a basic family home can be bought for as little as R750k while larger, more modern properties cost up to about R2million.

This seaside villa in Blouberg is on the market for R22.5million and offers direct access to the Kleinbaai beach. It has four bedrooms.
The Big Bay development nearby Bloubergrant offers a number of secure estates and apartments are available at about R800k while a well-appointed family home will cost between R2million and R5million, says Swart.

Andrew_za

September 1st, 2011, 12:56 PM

Now for Cape Flats IRT

Cape Town will start rolling out its MyCiTi bus system to Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and Cape Town’s “Metro South East” suburbs by 2013, mayor Patricia de Lille said today.

In a speech to council De Lille said planning was under way to launch a series of express routes along key corridors, including:

l Metro South East to Wynberg/Claremont.

l The N2 to the city, including Klipfontein and Main roads.

l From Symphony Way, along four mini-corridors, joining the N2, and linking to routes into the city centre.

l Metro South East to the West Coast, feeding into high-density industrial suburbs such as Paarden Eiland.

The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was launched in Cape Town last year, with the West Coast route, and runs between Blaauwberg Road and the civic centre. Another service runs between the civic centre and Cape Town International Airport.

There are also plans to extend this service to Atlantis in the north, and down to Hout Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard.

Before opening the routes from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha the City of Cape Town will have to negotiate with the public transport industry, including bus services such as Golden Arrow and taxi services.

Vehicles will then need to be bought and work completed on basic infrastructure.

It is not yet clear what this infrastructure will be and on which routes. Not all the routes mentioned will be along dedicated lanes, as on the West Coast. But they would, city sources said today, include benefits such as full access for the disabled.

De Lille emphasised her vision of an “inclusive society”.

“This means linking people spatially as well. It means connecting the people of this city to each other and to opportunities. It means building a public transport network for everyone.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that the City of Cape Town is planning several MyCiTi bus services, including an express service, between Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and the CBD. This express service will be rolled out by December 2013.

“In addition, new services are also planned for transport corridors between the Metro South East and the southern, northern and West Coast suburbs, where passenger demands are high but rail service does not exist.

“In essence, this express service will provide new avenues of opportunity for our people who have been let down by the lack of capacity in passenger rail services.

“The express service is planned to start... and will continue until the Passenger Rail Association of South Africa finishes its planned modernisation of the Khayelitsha-to-CBD service. At that stage, the express service will be re-evaluated.”

Mayco member for transport, roads and stormwater Brett Herron said: “

The most recent records show 630 000 daily trips for the morning and evening peak periods and demand exceeds capacity on almost all lines, with the Metro South East the worst affected. The region needs an immediate six extra train sets to meet current demand.

“It can be said that a public transport capacity crisis exists for those who live in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.”

De Lille also disclosed a new proposal regarding street renaming.

“It will be proposed by motion to rename Western Boulevard after another great icon in our struggle for democracy, Helen Suzman. This follows the recent renaming of Eastern Boulevard as Nelson Mandela Boulevard,” she said.

“We have already taken the first step, having honoured former president Nelson Mandela by naming a road after him.

“By the end of the year, the plaza between the civic centre and Artscape will be renamed Albert Luthuli Place to mark the 50th anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize.

“Oswald Pirow Street will be renamed Christiaan Barnard Street on the 10th anniversary of his death in December.”

The city would shortly call for nominations to an advisory committee, which was prescribed by its naming policy.

One of this committee’s first tasks will be to assess public submissions of names for the six footbridges over Nelson Mandela Boulevard.

Lydon

September 1st, 2011, 01:44 PM

And where's Mr Ehrenrich now?

Nostra

September 1st, 2011, 02:43 PM

only in December 2013?? Jerr, that's a while....

annman

September 1st, 2011, 02:58 PM

Have to build dedicated Trunk Routes 35km to and from the CBD. That's not long, that's realistic. :yes:

Nostra

September 1st, 2011, 03:50 PM

by that time, we'd have probably comissioned the first Gautrain station in Soweto :runaway:

Nostra

September 1st, 2011, 04:01 PM

jokes, better late than never

Letter16

September 1st, 2011, 08:17 PM

Eduan

September 1st, 2011, 09:52 PM

Great to see the urgency in getting those areas serviced. If they manage to get a worthwhile service going in that time it'll be remarkable. Good response to the social and political criticism and pressure to extend myciti. It will be interesting to see the physical plan. Brt lanes on highway? Stations? How do they avoid over capitalising on routes which will be serviced by a better metrorail? Does this mean no trunk routes?

My guess is that they will mostly use the existing bus & taxi lane on the N2 plus a short stretch into Crossroads/Khayelitsha with a few stations, as the first leg of the phase. No stations on the highways - that's why ithey call it an express service - and not too much capitalising. Then, while this 'express' service is running, they will build the rest of phase 2 (i e red lanes & stations) along Klipfontein Road, down to Claremont and up to Symphony Road, etc.

This way there won't be years and years of construction but no service.

Letter16

September 1st, 2011, 11:06 PM

Yeah. Was thinking along the same lines. What confused things for me is that a few months ago the city said that creating an outward bound high occupancy lane on the n2 was not feasible. So it's interesting to see how they'll create the 'express'ness in both directions. That option also appears to be lighter on $ and time. Fits in with the stated objective.

Mo Rush

September 1st, 2011, 11:37 PM

Not be a party pooper but none of this apart from the temporary N2 express is new.

This was always planned as part of Phase 2 etc. This just places urgency for the release of funds from gov, which won't be too hard to get given their investment in Phase 1.

If you thought Phase 1 is tough, Phase 2 will be 4 or more years of drama and challenges.

SA BOY

September 2nd, 2011, 06:22 AM

well if the west coast route is anything to go by, 2013 should read 2015. Very slow, like 3 people working and its been like thins for years with at least a year still to go.

CT is great as vision and need but poor in expediting and implementation, things take a lonnnnnng time here to get comeplete. IRT phase 1, Koeberg interchange anyone?

Andrew_za

September 3rd, 2011, 07:38 PM

From another angle

All aboard MyCiTi buses for a big business tourism push

PROVINCIAL and city tourism authorities are set to use the MyCiTi bus service as a major drawcard to attract international business tourists, says Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Alan Winde.

Speaking at the launch of World Tourism Month yesterday, Winde said most city hotels and conference venues were within walking distance of MyCiTi bus stops, which meant business tourists could “simply hop on and hop off”. He said the authorities would look at selling the MyCiTi offering to event organisers as part of a package deal.

“Structured transport networks in big cities give tourists security,” said Winde. “Cape Town can now compete with other major cities. If tourists have a map which shows them the route and how long it will take to get there, they feel safe.”

Before the launch, Winde and officials from Cape Town Tourism and Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU) conducted a study to determine how long it took between specific hotels in the city centre and the V&A Waterfront, and their nearest MyCiTi bus stop.

A trip from the MyCiTi station at the civic centre to the Cape Sun Hotel in Strand Street took under four minutes.

It will take tourists staying at the Mount Nelson in Gardens under five minutes to walk from the MyCiTi bus station on Orange Street to the hotel reception.

Winde said the information from the study would be illustrated on a map which would be used in marketing material to convince international associations to bring their conferences to Cape Town.

“A legacy of last year’s World Cup is a vastly improved transport network in the Cape metropole,” he said. “It is up to us to market and sell our ever-expanding public transport system to locals as well as tourists.”

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, head of the CTRU’s convention bureau and events division, said the MyCiTi service had turned Cape Town into “a force to be reckoned with globally”.

CTRU chief executive Calvyn Gilfellan said: “CTRU’s Convention Bureau’s strategic business unit has illustrated how serious it is about maintaining Cape Town’s position as the top conventions city in Africa and the Middle East.

“It is through initiatives like these that we ensure that the service offering in the destination remains world-class, which enables the city to compete in an increasingly competitive global arena.”

City spokeswoman Kylie Hatton said MyCiTi buses were transporting 9 000 people a day.

poephol

September 5th, 2011, 03:15 PM

If they want tourists (and locals for that matter) to really make use of it they need to start launching things like a "one day pass" etc. Makes tourists life so much easier.

Lydon

September 8th, 2011, 11:30 AM

More commuters turn to MyCiti than last year
THURSDAY SEP 08, 2011

Cape Town's MyCiti passenger numbers are growing, with the airport shuttle figures for July higher than during the World Cup last year.

Mayoral committee member for transport, roads and stormwater Brett Herron gave the mayoral committee a progress report on the Integrated Rapid Transit system for the month of July, including the planned introduction of an express service in the Metro South East, which includes Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, and the improved figures.

He said the improved airport MyCiTi figures were partly the result of better communication, marketing, education and value for money. The monthly total for the airport shuttle bus for July is 236 406 passenger trips.

The progress report also noted that the interim service, or "Milestone 0", which includes the trunk service between the city and Table View as well as feeder services in the Blaauwberg, Table View and CBD/City Bowl areas, continued to operate successfully.

A key focus was feedback from the general public.

"Each complaint received through either the transport information centre, media office, Twitter, Facebook or the mayor's offices are dealt with through personalised responses from the operation team," the report said.

The City of Cape Town is to introduce dedicated law enforcement officials to patrol the buses along the different routes.

The interim team had issued 409 fines for a range of offences to the value of R144 700 in July.

Cape Times

Source: IOL Property (http://www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/entry/more_commuters_turn_to_myciti)

annman

September 8th, 2011, 12:54 PM

^^ Just applied for a job with the City of Cape Town in the MyCiTi/IRT portfolio. I'll see what happens. :2cents:

Econ77

September 8th, 2011, 01:40 PM

"The monthly total for the airport shuttle bus for July is 236 406 passenger trips."

That right? it would mean an average of 75 passengers per bus (the shuttle makes 102 trips per day).

^^ Just applied for a job with the City of Cape Town in the MyCiTi/IRT portfolio. I'll see what happens. :2cents:

Good luck dude, that sounds like a fascinating position, hope you get it

Pule

September 8th, 2011, 09:06 PM

Good luck Annman.

Mo Rush

September 8th, 2011, 10:53 PM

^^ Just applied for a job with the City of Cape Town in the MyCiTi/IRT portfolio. I'll see what happens. :2cents:

I would absolutely recommend you.

annman

September 9th, 2011, 08:08 AM

^^ Let's see what the CoCT says. Holding thumbs, need the break. :)

ToxicBunny

September 9th, 2011, 08:36 AM

Good luck annman....

Lydon

September 9th, 2011, 08:50 AM

Good luck Annman!

"The monthly total for the airport shuttle bus for July is 236 406 passenger trips."

That right? it would mean an average of 75 passengers per bus (the shuttle makes 102 trips per day).

I'm guessing the word "airport" isn't meant to be in there. I think that's the system's total passenger figure.

Awesome.e

September 10th, 2011, 11:29 PM

Goodluck Annman

Econ77

September 12th, 2011, 01:14 PM

Cape Town’s MyCiTi Bus Service To Launch Mascot Ahead Of Loerie’s

Posted on 10 September 2011.
The City of Cape Town has announced that it will unveil a mascot for the MyCiTi bus system at a celebratory event next week. The launch will help create further awareness about the MyCiTi buses, highlight the importance of road safety and public transport in Cape Town, as well as add some hype for the Loerie’s next weekend.
In a press release, the City said it had received entries from all over Cape Town and these included hand-drawn designs by scholars, right through to the computer drawn animations from design students.
Mayoral Committee member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Councillor Brett Herron:
We invited the public to submit their design ideas, and we were blown away by the creative ideas we received.
We wanted this process to be driven by the public, which is why it was also so important to have a representative and informed judging panel. Our design team took the winning entry and amended it to make it more practical for daily use.
We look forward to presenting this mascot to the people of Cape Town next week.
Just last week the City announced that it would introduce an express service between Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain and central Cape Town to further accommodate the City’s residents.
The new mascot will also be revealed as part of the build-up to the Loerie Advertising Awards and Creative Cape Town Week taking place next week.
The launch event will happen at the MyCiTi Civic Centre Station on Hertzog Boulevard on Wednesday, September 14, and festivities kick-off at 14h00.
Some one million people have reportedly travelled on the MyCiTi buses thus far and the City expects more and more residents to start using the service in the future.

Mo Rush

September 12th, 2011, 02:15 PM

There were some fascinating entries. Lots of cool ones by kids too. Actually decent fun choosing a final design.

Lydon

September 14th, 2011, 09:23 AM

Myciti saves on huge travel costs
WEDNESDAY SEP 14, 2011

Tableview commuters using the MyCiTi bus service to reach central Cape Town instead of their cars could save about R3 000 a month, says the city council.

http://www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/resource/myciti_chart_small.jpg

Yesterday the City of Cape Town's mayoral committee member for transport, Brett Herron, encouraged Capetonians to use the MyCiTi buses and other forms of public transport to save themselves money, as well as help reduce congestion and cut down on their carbon footprints.

He gave an example of a Table View resident who owned a car bought for between R125 000 and R150 000, using calculations outlined by the Automobile Association (AA).

"The cost of commuting to central Cape Town on MyCiTi is about R410 for a 21-day working month. This is R1 400 to R2 700 cheaper than commuting by car, when wear and tear and depreciation is taken into account, using calculations outlined by the Automobile Association website. On top of this, parking costs about R1 000 a month in the CBD," said Herron.

He said these figures assumed that the driver used the car only to commute to work, or drove about 10 000km a year at most.

"If the car is driven for much longer distances, the running costs for commuting reduce in comparison to the total costs per month. A more expensive car costs more, when used to commute.

"There is no doubt that public transport is the way of the future. It makes sense on every level, reducing our stress levels, as well as benefiting the environment and our pockets," said Herron.

He encouraged Capetonians to go on to the AA website and work out how much it was costing them to commute to work by car.

"For most of us, the figures are shocking," said Herron.

Meanwhile the MyCiti service has surpassed the one million-tickets-sold mark, recording an average week-day ridership of about 9 000 passengers a day.

Since the first phase came into operation, the latest ticket sales figure stands at 1 033 084, according to the city.

But 1 033 084 tickets sold does not necessarily mean that this is the number of passengers who travelled on the service, as passengers require two tickets to catch a trunk-route bus and one ticket to catch a feeder bus.

"During July 2011 over 236 000 passenger trips were made with an average weekday ridership of about 9 000 passengers a day, and on the weekend of about 5 000 passengers a day. Airport numbers are also up on last year, with just over 8 000 passengers using the airport service during July," said Herron.

He said the number of passengers transported was increasing month-on-month, and the greatest number of passengers transported was in August, according to the most recent figures.

"We had hoped that the MyCiTi services would be this popular. It shows us how desperately public transport was needed along these routes," said Herron.

Cape Times

Source: IOL Property (http://www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/entry/myciti_saves_on_huge_travel)

SA BOY

September 14th, 2011, 04:23 PM

doesn't take into account cost of parking at a park and ride location (if they exist), then cost of feeder bus to IRT station, cost of feeder bust form IRT station in town to your area and return so its an additional 4 bus tickets per day plus parking in the burbs cos no one has no car and wont walk to feeder bus. that R8 per bus ride so add R32 a day x 21 days add another R672, plus parking of say R30 per day x 21 days =R630.
so reality check is R630+R672+R420=R1722 plus Im paying for a car I dont use (think wasted insurance I don't use, depreciation etc).

Not sure I buy the argument yet.

they still havent solved the argument of how do I get form my house to a feeder bus station??? Unless the bus stop is outside your house (and you are prepared to stand in the rain while waiting), they havent solved the feed into the IRT yet.

Lydon

September 14th, 2011, 04:33 PM

^^ The cost of a ticket includes a feeder route.

Unfortunately there really isn't much they can do about the rain. That's what I have an umbrella for and it works just fine. Even with the rain I'd rather sit on a bus reading/playing around on my phone than sit in traffic most of the way, and at a fraction of the cost too.

Park and Ride is something they need to address, though.

Mo Rush

September 14th, 2011, 07:51 PM

It rains in London. You walk to the tube. It rains in Shanghai. You walk to the tube. It also rains in other places.

Yes, feeder stations need to be within a reasonable distance.

Lydon

September 15th, 2011, 08:49 AM

The rain's only a problem in the winter months, anyway, and even then it doesn't rain every day, 24/7. In the majority of cases I miss the rain when I use the bus.

SA BOY

September 16th, 2011, 02:41 PM

SA BOY

September 16th, 2011, 02:50 PM

Lydon

September 16th, 2011, 05:44 PM

raed caption under bus picture (Excludes feeder routes)

I would assume they're talking about additional feeder routes apart from the included route.

Letter16

September 16th, 2011, 06:32 PM

raed caption under bus picture (Excludes feeder routes)

the caption is wrong. its R10 with a feeder ride on either side of the trunk. thats how things currently are.

the reason there are no shelters for the feeder bus stops is mainly because myciti is still running in beta. once things are more bedded down perhaps well see more permanent infrastructure.

the rain?
i took the bus in the rain yesterday. i walk about 5 minutes to my nearest stop and waited maybe another 5. had an umbrella. got a little damp but was never even slightly uncomfortable. cape town has the most forgiving rainy weather(most days) for being outdoors . mostly slow soaking rain that wont get you too wet and when the south easter is blowing its mainly in the summer so you're not getting that umbrella-proof vertical rain. no thunderstorms or monsoon, and its not even that cold. really its bearable. and it rains what?-4 months in the year and then again not even everyday.

the problem is not the rain or the wind. weather plays a part in all cities that have successful public transport systems. far worse weather. the issue is that car culture is institusionalised in sa. our people's perceptions and our cities are built around the car as the ultimate option in personal mobility. this will take work and time to break down. both working on peoples' perceptions and the geography of our cities. if you are going to use public transport you're going to have to walk outside a little.

myciti, even as it is, is a very good alternative to those who are fortunate to live where it operates. i'll get a little wet for anything that saves me time, money and stress

Lydon

September 16th, 2011, 06:40 PM

the caption is wrong. its R10 with a feeder ride on either side of the trunk. thats how things currently are.

the reason there are no shelters for the feeder bus stops is mainly because myciti is still running in beta. once things are more bedded down perhaps well see more permanent infrastructure.

the rain?
i took the bus in the rain yesterday. i walk about 5 minutes to my nearest stop and waited maybe another 5. had an umbrella. got a little damp but was never even slightly uncomfortable. cape town has the most forgiving rainy weather(most days) for being outdoors . mostly slow soaking rain that wont get you too wet and when the south easter is blowing its mainly in the summer so you're not getting that umbrella-proof vertical rain. no thunderstorms or monsoon, and its not even that cold. really its bearable. and it rains what?-4 months in the year and then again not even everyday.

the problem is not the rain or the wind. weather plays a part in all cities that have successful public transport systems. far worse weather. the issue is that car culture is institusionalised in sa. our people's perceptions and our cities are built around the car as the ultimate option in personal mobility. this will take work and time to break down. both working on peoples' perceptions and the geography of our cities. if you are going to use public transport you're going to have to walk outside a little.

myciti, even as it is, is a very good alternative to those who are fortunate to live where it operates. i'll get a little wet for anything that saves me time, money and stress

Agreed!

MrChavcore

September 17th, 2011, 12:51 PM

rain is an issue here guy you all know that cos you also live here plus the SE is a headache. Why are bus stops not shelters? I mean that the starting point, yes I also have a brolly but when I get to a bus stop there should be shelter from the elements at least.

I have given you a new version of the marketing spin so its more relevant and is what anyone considering using the bus would do so its not unreasonable. Yes London has rain and so does Dubai but thats not the point. We have 4 bad months where the elements play an part in our lives big time.
But to break Car culture you need viable alternatives and whilst its a start its not working correctly and never will untill you deal with park and ride

try getting a tram in dublin where we're exposed to the elements! it rains all year round here and it always comes with a driving wind that makes the south easter seem tame... lets just say an umbrella can be pointless at times. i agree with letter16, its all about changing perceptions and trying to get people out of their cars!

SA BOY

September 17th, 2011, 05:52 PM

but do you have weather protecting shelters while waiting for the tram or are you expected to stand in the rain like a does?

Mo Rush

September 17th, 2011, 09:49 PM

Ah. I think there is some clarification needed.

There are sheltered feeder stops coming.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/5860027834_058d2050a9_b.jpg

Andrew_za

September 18th, 2011, 01:06 PM

Since Civic Centre and Gardens are both already under construction; we still waiting for closed feeder stations to be built on Adderley Street and one for Queens Beach, which i'd assume would also service green point park?

shacky

September 19th, 2011, 11:26 PM

I was fortunate enough to be in CT this weekend, stayed in Blouberg and was lucky enough to have a bus stop 2 mins away, very impressed and jealous as a Durbanite!

One question, why is that you have to change a 2nd time at civic centre, are there no continuous buses carrying on towards Long St (which is where I was going)? When will the shelters be arriving? The busses were actually quite full, surely they are needed by now and easy to install? Not just for the shelter but info and being able to see where the stop actually is!

Otherwise fantastic, and yes it is only R10, thats 2 tickets.

carudden

September 20th, 2011, 11:21 AM

Any news on the switch over from paper tickets to card?

Edit:
The surfacing has begun! This is from Bayside/R27 intersection towards Atlantis
http://i55.************/i40ac7.jpg

A Colleague of mine took this pic this morning of a taxi being pulled over for using the BRT lane.

http://i51.************/dpth6c.jpg

Andrew_za

October 9th, 2011, 01:19 PM

News from last week
Cape Town plans to build Myciti bus trunk stations at waterfront

Plans are afoot to build two new MyCiTi bus trunk stations at the V&A Waterfront as the City of Cape Town looks to extend the service.

Waterfront spokeswoman Emma King confirmed they were in talks with the city to have two stations at the centre.

The waterfront is on the MyCiTi feeder routes, which take passengers to and from the trunk station in Hertzog Boulevard in the city centre.

If the new trunk stations are built, passengers will, for example, be able to travel from Table View to the waterfront without having to transfer.

"If it goes ahead there'll be a trunk station near the Clock Tower and one in Breakwater Boulevard," King said.

She said the stations would be expected to be operational in 2013.

"But there has not been any official announcement and it's all still in the discussion phase," she said.

Mayoral committee member for transport, roads and stormwater Brett Herron said having the trunk station at the waterfront would be "hugely beneficial" to residents and tourists.

"The waterfront is a premier tourist destination in Africa and in Cape Town so it would be hugely beneficial to have the waterfront service and we are extremely hopeful to have the service running through there," he said.

The city is preparing to introduce several new MyCiTi feeder routes in the central city next year around the City Bowl, along the Atlantic Seaboard, Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Imizamo Yethu, Woodstock and Salt River.

Construction is nearing completion on stations at Thibault Square in the city and Mill Street in Gardens, said the city. Construction has also started on the extension of the trunk route along the R27 on the West Coast.

The city said a contract had been awarded to build permanent stops on feeder routes and an additional feeder route was set to be introduced in Table View. Work on the trunk route extension along Blaauwberg Road as far as Potsdam Road and feeder stops in Atlantis was set to start in September.