Phase 1

Linking the Airport and the Inner City area with the Stadium Precinct and servicing the Atlantis Corridor Phase 1A includes the inner city and airport services, extending up the West Coast to include newly developed high-density residential areas and low-income communities such as Mamre, Atlantis, Doornbach and Du Noon.

The inner city service will provide a convenient, cost-effective way of getting around the CBD and City Bowl areas for the many thousands of people who live and work in this economic hub. From an operational cost point of view, Phase 1A is financially self-sustaining. The intention is to have this phase up and running by early 2010.

The Inner City Service
The CBD and surrounding areas are a crucial destination for both weekday commuter trips and 2010 FIFA World Cup visitors. Key destinations include the Central Station, V&A Waterfront, Long Street, and Sea Point. Smaller feeder vehicles will service surrounding communities such as Tamboerskloof, Oranjezicht, Vredehoek, and Gardens.

Airport Service
Along with the Inner City Service, the airport link is required to meet Cape Town’s obligations as a Host City. This part of the system will provide rapid, high frequency services between the airport and the CBD, Green Point and Sea Point along the N2 BMT (Bus and Minibus Taxi) lane.

Atlantis Corridor
The West Coast is home to several low-income communities, such as Mamre, Atlantis, Doornbach and Du Noon. Currently, areas such as Mamre and Atlantis have no sustainable public transport alternative to allow access to jobs and public services. The West Coast also has some of the highest congestion levels in Cape Town. Parts of Blaauwberg Road and Marine Drive (R27) experience near gridlock conditions at peak periods. It is expected that there will be high demand for the new service with a significant move away from private vehicles to public transport.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Phase1A.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Phase1.jpg

http://www.hho.co.za/images/headlines-040708.GIF

http://www.hho.co.za/images/headlines-051208.GIF

What is IRT (Integrated Rapid Transit)?

A nice pamphlet helping to explain the BRT and IRT system.

Click click (http://www.virginiatiplady.co.za/images/bus.pdf)

I got a render!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Milnerton.png

Wow! BIG windows...are those the buses that will be used?

thanx mo...

that stop in the last render looks rather rather large for a brt station stop?

I hope those are the buses that will be used...as those look amazing.

burn it all!

looks good... my last statement was aimed at the taxi industry (so ignore). Was trying to be witty, becoming harder since I am one of the only people still stuck int he office.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Adderley.png


Not sure about the bus desgin but there have been some concepts.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Busses.png

I would drop dead if they used Golden Arrow busses instead...

I would drop dead if they used Golden Arrow busses instead...

Buses are made in South America. The project is not related to any existing bus operator.

how will golden arrow fit in? are they not outsourced currently?

golden arrow sucks ass

The BRT station reminds me of the whitewater building in Beijing for the Olympic Games.

http://english.people.com.cn/mediafile/200807/16/P200807161351421586581451.bmp
http://www.beijingbirdnest.com/beijingbirdnest/PhotoGallery/UploadFiles_1133/200802/200824193418799.jpg

Buses are made in South America. The project is not related to any existing bus operator.


I meant the actual design of busses Golden Arrows uses, those old, boxy, ugly jalopies.

I meant the actual design of busses Golden Arrows uses, those old, boxy, ugly jalopies.

The busses are BRT busses and will therefore look like BRT busses. Modern, quality, safe, classy busses.

The GA busses cannot be used anyway. The doors on the BRT buses have to be on the right and there are no steps down to the street level

So these are not low-floor busses?

So these are not low-floor busses?

They are.

I remember reading somewhere that the entrances are elevated to the level of the BRT stations. Some of the concept drawings Mo posted of the Trunk buses also show this. It may be different though.

The buses are indeed raised so that they can only load and off-load at designated BRT Stations.

Aww, dammit. :(

Yes but what is going to happen to GA with BRT now arriving? who owns it? runs it? cos it is surely going to be negetively affected

I'm not actually sure... but to be honest, I couldn't give a damn about Golden Arrow, they're horrid and backward... it's time to progress. However I'm pretty certain Golden Arrow is probably run mostly my government agencies, so this will probably mean they'll be scaled down and will just provide feeder services to the BRT (perhaps).

yup I'm guessing that government will simply end their outsourcing agreement with Golden Arrow. Will be easy to do it with them cos they're a company. The problem as I've said many times are the taxis. As I see it, SA cities will have two options:

1. Try get rid of the taxi industry all together by launching an all-out war against them and forcing them off the road. This will be impossible however because...

a) There will still be routes that aren't covered by the BRT and are as such covered by taxis. Why should taxis accept these routes and not the more lucrative ones covered by the BRT? Especially since as the BRT expands, it'll put more and more taxis out of business.
b) It's also not a viable option because as we all know, taxis are not exactly open to compromise or peaceful deliberations of issues. I'm surprised that the protests we saw in Cape Town haven't taken place in Joburg yet, especially since the routes are very visible and a station already exists.

2. The more pragmatic and cost-effective option is to retain the taxi industry as it presently stands. This would include the following:

a) stepping up the taxi recapitalisation process - ensure that safe, clean taxis operate.
b) allow taxis to operate on BRT routes in dedicated lanes.
c) implement set standards across the public transport industry that aim to improve the sector as a whole

My hope is that if this is done, the public will get a better service from both the BRT and the taxis. Consumers are able to choose between a BRT or a taxi, and the taxi industry isn't forced out of operating. I'm not sure if anyone agrees or disagrees with me (?), but I think this step is essential because I just don't believe South Africa will ever rid itself of taxis.

You seem to have more understanding of the situation Tom. I think the second option is the best. We need taxis by all means as they can conviniently serve as feeders to the BRT. Imagine the impact that taxis will do to the Fourways traffic if the serve as feeder to Gautrain and the BRT. I do not deny the fact that they are irritating and very so unprofessional.

Taxi's will remain. The City's transport team have no intention of excluding them but have also learnt a lot from cities in South America where they had a huge problem with taxi's who eventually found out that they benefit too from more commuters.

On top of that, in South America they actually have traffic in the true sense.

City hands over response to Taxi Association's memorandum of grievances
MEDIA RELEASE
NO735/2008
22 DECEMBER 2008



Today at a brief meeting with representatives of the Western Cape taxi Industry, City of Cape Town officials handed over a response to a memorandum of grievances submitted by the industry on 9 December 2008 following protest action. The memorandum from Mayor Helen Zille [appended in full below] was presented to the General Secretary of the Western Cape National Taxi Association, Mr Mawala Mata and representatives of CATA and CODETA by the City of Cape Town’s Executive Director of Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Mr Eddie Chinnappen.
City of Cape Town Response to “Memorandum of Grievances from the Western Cape National Taxi Alliance’s Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) and allied taxi associations presented to the City of Cape Town Mayor on 9 December 2008”

Introduction

0.1 The City recognises and respects the right of individuals and groups to legitimate protest action as a means to voice their concerns. We accordingly accepted the memorandum of grievances from representatives of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) and allied taxi associations on 9 December 2008. However, the City notes with disappointment the display of violent behaviour by certain individuals involved in the protest, as well as damage caused to public and private property witnessed on the day of the march. In line with our constitutional mandate as a local government authority, we are compelled to take law enforcement and legal steps against such individuals, and will continue to do so in any future cases where the law is broken.

0.2 Before responding to the specific grievances and demands raised in your memorandum, I would like to give you a brief summary of the City’s vision for public transport.

0.3 Our minibus taxi operators play an important role in transporting Cape Town’s commuters. Taxi operators have seen an opportunity in the lack of public transport in informal settlements, and now operate across the city. Even though they did not receive subsidies, minibus taxi operators have provided customised services that other modes of public transport have not been able to offer. We have no intention of trying to sideline legitimate drivers or operators. Our roads are getting too congested as more and more people rely on private cars, and it is having a negative impact on our economy. We need to attract more people to public transport, which means we need to improve the public transport services that are available. We must increase capacity, and make public transport safer and more reliable. We therefore want to work with the existing taxi industry and help them to become a part of this, because we are trying to expand the size of Cape Town’s public transport sector, not reduce its capacity.
0.4 The Integrated Transport Plan of the City aims to bring about this change through the proposed Integrated Rapid Transport System, an important component of which is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This is in line with the National Department of Transport’s plans, and significant funding has been made available by the National Government for the programme. The IRT project in Cape Town is intended to improve public transport and also to address many of the concerns that have been plaguing the taxi industry. If government and the taxi industry work together in partnership, we can bring about a win-win situation for everyone involved.
0.5 I address each of the concerns raised in your memorandum on an individual basis below.

1. IRT / BRT processes in the City
Your memorandum dated 9 December demands: ”the immediate ceasing of all BRT projects and processes in the City, pending proper consultation, presentation of a business financial model that guarantees that operators will be better off and also giving the project guaranteed figures for at least five years, by all the tiers of government.”

1.1 As you know, the City is proposing to implement an Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system, of which Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be a component. The City is committed to the following:

1.1.1 Full consultation and engagement with the minibus taxi industry. We have already begun this process in good faith. Many meetings have been scheduled with taxi industry stakeholders to discuss the IRT. The City acknowledges that there are fears about the IRT in the industry, but without allowing the City opportunity to explain its plans and responses to these, effective consultation will be hampered. A disruptive element within the taxi industry has repeatedly broken up several of the meetings we have tried to hold. It is clear to me that the individuals involved represent a minority within the industry; however they have been using intimidation against the majority of law-abiding operators and drivers. For example, on 31 October 2008 (in the Blaauwberg Sub-Council building) Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Ian Neilson, met with taxi drivers and operators working in areas to be affected by Phase 1 A of IRT. Several unruly individuals entered the meetings, shouted down the speakers and intimidated drivers who wanted to listen. The meeting had to be cancelled. Other meetings were similarly disrupted. In late November, a Summit hosted jointly by the City and the taxi industry, held in Ratanga Junction, and was again disrupted and major damage caused to private property. Fortunately, some of our officials were able to have other meetings with key members of the taxi industry and have been able to deliver presentations on Integrated Rapid Transit system. We will continue these engagements and will not be deterred by disruptive individuals. We would like the of the taxi industry to be fully aware of the benefits of getting involved in Bus Rapid Transit, and to become partners in the process.

1.1.2 Presentation of the financial model and indications as to the guarantees that the City will be able to provide, to the taxi industry.

1.1.3 All affected taxi operators meeting certain criteria will have a preferred opportunity to be included in providing the transport services of the IRT. These services will cover both the planned feeder and trunk services of the IRT.

1.1.4The City wishes to increase the market for minibus operators and wishes to make the operators more profitable.

1.1.5 The City will work, through IRT, to increase overall employment opportunities in the public transport sector. This will include multiple shifts for drivers, as well as new positions in security and customer services.

1.1.6The City would like the operators to own the new vehicles required for the implementation of the IRT, and is pursuing discussions with the National Department of Transport (DOT) to ensure that the State will pay for over half of the value of the cost of the vehicles in the form of a capital subsidy.

1.2 Subsequent to the delivery of your memorandum to the City, the taxi industry (including the National Taxi Association) agreed with the Minister that there will be a road show process at a national, provincial and local level, involving government and the taxi industry, to inform the industry on the IRT plans and to respond to other concerns raised by the industry, as part of the consultation process.

1.3 Consultation, information sharing and capacity building

1.3.1 As a result of disruptions mentioned 1.1.1 above, some sectors of the taxi industry have not had the opportunity to be informed and consulted about the details of the IRT programme.

1.3.2 Information in the form of brochures, DVDs and presentations have also been prepared, distributed and presented to introduce the system. These are all available to the taxi industry. Unfortunately, the distribution of this information has also been impeded by the disruption of various consultation meetings referred to above.

1.3.3 In November 2008, the City organized a study tour of South American Cities for taxi and bus operators to build capacity in business planning and financial modelling for the System. Representatives from both CODETA and CATA were invited and included as part of the delegation. However, unfortunately CODETA and CATA pulled their representatives out of the trip at the last minute. These included representatives of two taxi associations providing services that we aim to upgrade as part of Phase 1A of the IRT, namely the Du Noon and Ysterplaat Taxi Associations. This is unfortunate since it has resulted in these representatives and organisations having been deprived of the opportunity to inform themselves and interrogate the IRT model first hand.

1.4 The City will continue to engage in detailed consultation with any groupings in the taxi industry, provided we are given a clear indication of who the groupings represent and what their mandates are.

2. Stopping of enforcement steps
Your memorandum dated 9 December demands: “the immediate Ceasing of the impoundment and prosecution of taxis for permit related offences (see KwaZulu Natal Court Judgement of November 2006)”.

2.1 The City is obliged by the Constitution and various pieces of national legislation to enforce road traffic and other laws. Failure to do so would place our officials in breach of the law. It would also encourage illegal activities, which could further compromise safety of the public and potential overtrading. For this reason the City has to continue with appropriate steps to achieve this objective.

2.2 The City must enforce road traffic and other laws within the confines of due process and traffic legislation and its staff must act accordingly. We take any allegations of corruption or unfair application of the law by our police services very seriously, and if any drivers or operators have evidence of wrongdoing by police staff I encourage them to bring it to the City’s attention via the City’s Fraud and Corruption Hotline 0800 32 31 30. So far, prosecuting statistics indicate that most fines issued to taxis have been valid. More than 70% of prosecutions relating to taxis have been upheld by the legal system.
2.3
Regarding processing of permit applications, see the City’s response to item 4.

3. Registration by the Transport Registrar
Your memorandum dated 9 December demands: “Your Office must assist the Officer of the Provincial Government Transport Registrar with final registration enabling information and any legislation requirements”.

3.1 As you know registration of taxi associations and of taxi operators is a function of the Registrar, with offices located at the Provincial Operating Licencing Board (POLB).

3.2 The City is already working closely with the relevant structures in the Western Cape provincial administration, and has seconded staff to assist the POLB in addressing outstanding issues.

3.3 The City will continue to provide assistance, in as far as this is possible, to facilitate the good functioning of the various offices responsible for the administration and regulation of the taxi industry.

4. Moratorium on issuing of new taxi permits
Your memorandum dated 9 December demands: “Immediate unqualified support for upliftment of the moratorium on the issuing of permits”.

4.1 According to the POLB the statement made in the memorandum that there has been a moratorium in place for the past 12 years is not correct. There is currently a limited moratorium in place, related only to new applications at POLB. This moratorium was instituted in September 2008 and is likely to be in place until March 2009.

4.2 It must be noted that the POLB is an autonomous body responsible for the granting of operating licences (or permits) in the Western Cape area. The City has no authority over the POLB, we can only advise them. Even in cases where the POLB decides not to grant an application against the City’s written recommendation, the decision of the POLB is legally final. We have, however, succeeded in convincing the POLB to grant numerous taxi permits where they were needed, even after the POLB declared a moratorium.

4.3 It should be noted that the City sees the IRT project as an important long-term mechanism to resolve the ongoing administrative and practical problems regarding taxi permitting and public transport in general, and would like to engage with all stakeholders in the taxi industry to discuss these aspects.

5. Problems in the taxi recapitalization process
Your memorandum dated 9 December demands: “the City to assist in making the taxi recapitalization taxi vehicles affordable and in making their maintenance affordable, for the benefit of commuters”.

5.1 As you know, the taxi recapitalization programme (taxi recap) is a national competency, implemented with the assistance of Province.

5.2 The City recognises that there are issues regarding the effectiveness of the taxi recap programme. We will continue to engage on this with the national Department of Transport to address these issues and would like to obtain advice from the taxi industry on how it suggest the City should pursue them.

5.3 The City sees the implementation of the IRT system as one of the solutions in resolving these problems over the longer term and providing new business opportunities for the taxi industry.

5.4 Regarding vehicles already purchased as part of the recap programme, the City will discuss this issue with the minibus taxi industry to find appropriate solutions. Options for existing vehicles include:
5.4.1 Continuing to use recap vehicles on unaffected routes
5.4.2 Using recap vehicles as feeders in the new system
5.4.3 Establishing a trade-in programme for recap vehicles
5.4.4 Using recap vehicles for other markets, such as hotel shuttles.

6. Dedicated public transport lanes
Your memorandum dated 9 December demands: “Demand for non-discriminatory public passenger transport dedicated lanes to achieve mobility, efficiency and reliability”.

6.1 As you know, the BMT lane on the N2 has been implemented to ensure that travel time for commuters is reduced. This has also resulted in significant increase in profitability of public transport operators who may use this lane. In terms of legislative requirements the dedicated right of way is available to public transport vehicles carrying 9 or more passengers.

6.2 The new IRT infrastructure will provide dedicated lanes available only to vehicles forming part of this system on most trunk routes. The IRT is specifically designed to increase the mobility, efficiency and reliability of public transport. The design has been shown to provide the following improvements in profits of operators and of the overall system, where the elements listed are implemented:

6.2.1
75% improvement in profits regarding the following elements:
a) Separate bus lane in middle of roadway
b) Larger vehicles
c) Customers pay before entering bus
d) Rapid loading and unloading of passengers

6.2.2
0% improvement in profits regarding the following elements:
a) Security at stations and within vehicles
b) Frequent services
c) Safe and easy walk to stations
d) High-quality stations and vehicles
e) Fare integration between routes

6.2.3
35% improvement in profits regarding the following elements:
a) Fleet management from control centre
b) Government provided depots and offices
c) Joint purchase of fuel and spare parts

6.3 Thus the taxi industry is encouraged to engage with the City in the consultation process so as to influence the design of the IRT, and also to participate in the contracting processes. In this manner it will benefit from the new system.

7. Taxi involvement in the provision of transport needs of 2010 World Cup
Your memorandum dated 9 December demands: “The City’s immediate facilitation of a “taxi biased” dialogue between the taxi industry, the 2010 local organizing committee and government regarding provision of transport services during the World Cup”.

7.1 It is anticipated that the existing public transport network (taxi, bus and rail), together with Phase 1A of the IRT System, will meet most of the requirements of improved public transport services as provided for the agreement between Minister of Transport and the City.

7.2 In developing the operation plan to address transport needs, the City has convened a forum and has invited the taxi industry to attend forum meetings. The taxi industry has sent representatives to the meetings which have been held so far. To date the plan to meet the needs have not been fully settled and more work is continuing in this regard.

7.3 Consultation with the taxi industry by the 2010 project management team for the operational plan is also continuing.

7.4 Broader consultation with the taxi industry will follow once the details of the draft plans have been developed.

8. NTA recognition

8.1 The City in its consultation process has been inviting all registered taxi associations to meetings. How these associations are affiliated to national or provincial bodies in the industry is their own decision.

8.2 Until recently the NTA had not formally approached the City to inform it of its existence and its representivity in the Western Cape.

8.3 As mentioned in 1.4 above, the City wishes to engage in detailed consultation with any groupings in the taxi industry, provided we are given a clear indication of who the groupings represent and what their mandates are. I would therefore like to request that the NTA provide it with a written mandate from the associations that it represents.

9. Conclusion

9.1I hope that this response to your memorandum will open the way for further dialogue around the issues that concern the taxi industry in Cape Town.

9.1.1 The City has no intention or strategy to marginalise or harm the taxi industry.
9.1.2 We need a mutual commitment to work together and the City gives its undertaking to do so in good faith.
9.1.3 We welcome the constructive engagements that we have had so far with the taxi industry. I would like to urge you to do everything within your power to discipline disruptive and lawless individuals who undermine such engagements and cause public disturbances. The FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup is an opportunity to greatly increase public transport commuter volumes, both during the event, and thereafter. This will be a major benefit for the taxi industry as a whole. However, lawlessness will discourage commuters from using taxis as a mode of transport, and will disadvantage everyone concerned. It will also make it harder for the taxi industry to communicate its needs and concerns to government.
9.1.4 The City is willing to arrange forums, agendas and timelines with the taxi industry for further engagements, and we welcome feedback from its representative associations in this regard.

By: Helen Zille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town

Good grief...you'd swear their memorandum was written by a bunch of senseless apes. Some, if not all of their demands are laughable.

Demand 23. Only taxis should be allowed on the roads.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/BRTPhasesTimeline.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/BRTPhasesTimeline2.jpg

BRT trunk stations unveiled

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/PublishingImages/IRT_station_design_11_11_08.jpg

Phase 1: Map (http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/Documents/Phase1A_map_04_12_08.pdf)

With the first phase of the City’s Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system set to get underway in March 2010, the project is now rapidly gaining pace.

The trunk station designs have been finalised, and construction is already underway in the Culemborg area. Five construction contracts have been awarded, including Culemborg, Paarden Island, and parts of Marine Drive (R27).

The stations – glass structures – will all have ticket facilities, security and CCTV cameras, variable message signage and recycling bins capable of handling pre-sorted litter of up to six different kinds.

Design features include angled poles that protrude beyond horizontal roofs and large 'totem poles' to identify the stations. Cost and aesthetics were both important considerations in the design process.

The trunk stations are designed to sit in the middle of the road, but will need to deal with a variety of different space constraints, producing more than 13 design variations.

Some are particularly long and narrow, for example, in Paarden Island, while on Blaauwberg Road there will be H-shaped stations and the main station at Greenpoint Stadium will be V-shaped and capable of handling about 20 000 people per hour.

There will also be a station designed with cut outs to accommodate existing trees outside the old Imperial cold storage building close to Buitenkant St.

The R1,3 billion Phase 1A will eventually cover the entire city and will only be completed in 2018. For now, the Phase 1A will feature an extensive inner-city network with trunk services to the airport, Atlantis, the Bayside area, Du Noon and Century City.

The next priority is the procurement of the vehicles. The city is currently finalising a cost-estimate, and is preparing four separate tenders to be sent out no later than February 2009.

In the meantime, the City is continuing to engage with current bus and minibus taxi operators, who are key stakeholders and operators of the new system.

Yay! They're glassy.

i'm more interested to see the H shape stations and the V shape station at Green Point Stadium and the one for the Green Point Common and the larger one at the Train station.

If I'm not mistaken the BRT route has been increased in Phase 1A to include Canal Walk, Atlantis and will run all the way down to Sea Point Pavillion!!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/MapPhase1.jpg

You have a larger version of that Mo? It's hard to read.

You have a larger version of that Mo? It's hard to read.

click on the pdf link below

I don't see one.

BRT trunk stations unveiled

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/PublishingImages/IRT_station_design_11_11_08.jpg

Phase 1: Map (http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/Documents/Phase1A_map_04_12_08.pdf)

see above

Aha, thanks!

I love it i really do, its soo first world. The stations will look great, new busses, practical routes and in-exspensive. This is the type of thing that makes me happy to pay my rates & taxes. But i cant help every morning when i travel to work on the highways, look at the lawless taxis and think to myself "they are going to burn it to the ground". I just hope it gets the support it deserves, i know for myself since i`m fortunate to live and work in the area of pahse 1a, that i`ll be the first one in the queue.....with my fire extinguisher!

^^ Stations will more than likely have full CCTV coverage. So, we'll get those taxi-drivers' faces and no.plates on camera, run down to their house and arrest them and lock them all up! :lol: Then they can all experience some great "Pollsmoor Lovin' "

"Pollsmoor Lovin' "

Don't drop the soap :lol:

2010 Main Transport Hub
Hertzog Boulevard (where the Cape Argus Cycle Tour starts)
Largest BRT station
7,700 Sqm (3/4 of the CTICC)

Hertzog Boulevard
Main BRT Station, Main Transport Hub

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/MainTransportHubSmall.jpg

Inner City BRT Services
Feeder and Trunk Routes

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/BRTInnerCityServiceSmall.jpg

Topic: Transport 2010: The Inner City Plan
Speaker: Andrew Bulman of Arcus Gibb, the international engineering consultants contracted to the 2010 event.

Bulman spoke as a representative of the City of Cape Town and a
large consortium of seven companies who make up the transport planning team for 2010.

Bulman began his presentation by introducing the audience to the Host City Transport Operations Plan, covering the entire Metro. Explaining that his team were already on version three of the plan, and highlighting the commitment that the City of Cape Town has made towards transport planning in order to make thee 2010 event a success, Bulman noted that he
had personally already been contracted to the project for three years.

Explained Bulman,
“Operational planning is already about two-thirds complete and we‟re starting now with the key focus areas of resourcing and delivery – in other words, putting the plan into action.”

Focusing his presentation on the Central City for the purposes of the Forum, Bulman noted that the Cape Town Station would be the core of the transport hub around which everything else would function – namely the Fan Walk, the FIFA Fan Park on the Grand Parade, the long distance bus terminus between the station and the Civic Centre, as well as the Main Transport Hub in Hertzog Boulevard which would eventually serve as the primary BRT trunk station around which all road-based public transport was being organised.

Overflow event “Park „n Ride” facilities during the 2010 event would be located in the District Six area, part of the Culemborg area, and the area under the Foreshore freeways.


Although 2010 would leave behind an R8.5-billion legacy of transport infrastructure, the match schedule proposed for Cape Town would ensure that as little disruption as possible would be caused to traffic particularly during peak hours. According to Bulman, the City is fortunate in
that six of the eight matches will be held at 8.30pm at night and a seventh would be on a Saturday, with only one scheduled to begin at 1.30pm on a weekday.


The Spectator Transport Services that will be key to the event are:

- The Airport Shuttle Service
- Public Transport Service to the CBD (including “Park „n Ride” facilities)
- An Inner City transport service
- A Stadium shuttle service on match days , and
- A V&A Waterfront Shuttle Service on Match Days.

These were the key focus areas for the team - the major pillar of which would be to make use of existing resources and integrate existing and future public transport services in order to be able to leave behind a viable transport legacy for Cape Town beyond 2010.

Turning this attention to the inner city BRT, Bulman noted that approximately 80 buses would serve the inner city on frequencies of three to four minutes in either direction, linking the Waterfront and the Convention Centre to the whole of Cape Town. Phase one would also include trunk services coming in from Tableview and from the Airport.


Explaining that a very important part of planning for the World Cup lay in accessing travel demand management, Bulman reported that currently 400 000 enter and leave the CBD every 24 hours with 60 000 per hour in the morning and afternoon peak – about 50% of that in private vehicles. It has been estimated that the World Cup would increase those numbers by
only 40 to 50%. “So we‟re not talking of doubling,” says Bulman. “Plus we have a number of suggested measures in place, including scheduling of holidays, flexitime arrangements, work-aholidays, car sharing and having the event between five weeks of university and school holidays
should reduce traffic by up to 20%.

Think of how much easier it is to drive into town during the
school holidays.” There was also a misconception that road access throughout the city would be closed down for the entire 30 days of the event: “There will be some road closures and restrictions from
lunchtime onwards on those eight match days, but that‟s it,” said Bulman. “On all other days of the event, we‟re looking at minimal road closures and minimal disruption to the traffic of Cape Town. Let‟s be very clear on that.”


“On non-match days, the only real road closures we‟re looking at are Plein Street and Darling Street around the Fan Park. There are no other planned road closures.”

Talking about the distance spectators would need to walk along the Fan Walk to reach the stadium, Bulman reported that during the UEFA Euro 2008, FIFA had deemed it acceptable for fans in Switzerland to walk up to 4km to reach one of the stadiums. “We thought no one would walk the 2.5km to Green Point Stadium, but our international experts said: „No problem!‟”

And this is what we have to stend for? criminal elements are enjoying life in our country


Family torn apart after bus blast

February 24 2009 at 11:49AM

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Bus petrol-bombed in Cape Town


By Esther Lewis

A pregnant woman who was severely injured when a petrol bomb was lobbed at the bus she was travelling in during the violent taxi strikes two weeks ago has died in hospital.

Katrina Samuels, of Mitchells Plain, was admitted to hospital on February 12 after the petrol bomb attack on the Golden Arrow bus. Seven months' pregnant, she went into premature labour last Wednesday but her baby lived for only three hours.

Samuels died two days later, leaving her four-year-old son and husband. Her husband said on Monday night that his "family had been torn apart".

Samuels and others were travelling home on Vanguard Drive in Philippi on the second day of the taxi strikes called by the National Taxi Alliance (NTA).

A petrol bomb was thrown into the back of the bus. When the driver heard screams, he checked the rear-view mirror and saw passengers on fire.

It is alleged that three men, described as "old" by witnesses, were sitting under trees close to a gap in the fence on Vanguard Drive when the bus, travelling to Lost City in Mitchells Plain, passed at about 5pm.

The men allegedly ran up to the bus and threw a petrol bomb into the bus. Witnesses said they then ran through the gap in the fence, and disappeared between shacks.

Some of the injured were taken to hospital in private cars, and the rest were rushed by ambulance to the Mitchells Plain day hospital. The six seriously injured were transferred to Tygerberg Hospital's burn unit.

Health Department spokesperson Faiza Steyn confirmed that Samuels and another woman were admitted to the hospital last Wednesday and that Samuels and her child had died.

Steyn said she could not comment on the cause of death as the autopsy results were not yet available.

Golden Arrow spokesperson Vuyisile Mdoda said the bus company had contacted the family to offer assistance.

Nyanga police spokesperson Captain Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi confirmed on Tuesday that a murder charge was being investigated butthat no arrests had been made.

The NTA denied any responsibility for the death of Samuels and her newborn.

"The NTA was not involved in any of the incidents of violence. The NTA members withdrew their services for those days, and stayed at home. The stoning and the bombs are not the NTA's responsibility," said Mvuyisi Mente, the organisation's spokesperson.

He said individuals were behind a campaign to discredit the NTA. These were the people responsible for the violence, Mente said.

The NTA called the strike in opposition to the Bus Rapid Transit system, which operators say will threaten their livelihoods.

^^ Where the f%$k are the arrests??? Where are the police? Where's the damn justice system? Where are the dockets of murder and attempted murder opened against taxi drivers? When will this country not allow the taxi associations not to be a law unto themselves? :gaah:

I'm sure now you understand why I'm pissed Annman. Murders happening in this country include those committed by taxi drivers by fighting over passengers, killing one another, killing bus passengers and using wrong routes and the world now think that we are barbarians.

The end is nigh, it seems.

Is that article relevant? Please add to the Cape Town public transport thread

Can we please move all taxi rants to this thread because they have spoilt our roads and now their spoiling our threads...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=32860054#post32860054

Construction under way for IRT system

By Yamkela Xhaso
06 March

The implementation phase of the City of Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit system has commenced along the R27.

Kylie Hatton form the City of Cape Town said that this is part of the first phase of the City’s implementation of the IRT, an integrated approach to the provision of public transport in Cape Town that will significantly change how people move around the city.

“What we are doing is that we are constructing tow lanes on the middle of the road”

The lanes will allow buses to move up and down.

The construction is estimated to be finished in March next year

Provision of professional services: Integrated rapid transport project

BKS (Pty) Ltd R3,864,828.00
Nesha's Transport Consultancy CC R1,792,650.00
DR Bosch R2,250,645.00
Khuthele Projects (Pty) Ltd R2,124,162.00
Planet Waves115 (Pty) LtdR1,651,058.00

1. Project: Construction of public transport corridor along route R27 from Racecourse road to Blaauwberg road: roadworks, services accommodation and appurtenant works
Company: Baseline Civil Contractors (Pty) Ltd
Value: R95.8 million

2. Project: Construction of public transport corridor through Culemborg from Old Marine Drive to Church street: Roadworks, relocation of railways, service accomodation and appurtenant works
Company: Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd
Value: 54.2 million

3. Project: Construction of public transport corridor along route R27 from Milner street to Racecourse road: Roadworks, services accommodation and appurtenant works
Company: Martin & East (Pty) Ltd
Value: R147.3 million

Construction underway for Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit System
MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 114/ 2009
05 MARCH 2009

The implementation phase of the City of Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system has commenced along the R27.

This is part of the first phase of the City’s implementation of the IRT, an integrated approach to the provision of public transport in Cape Town that will significantly change how people move around the city.

Part of the IRT infrastructure will comprise dedicated lanes on existing roads for the various public transport routes, and stations at suitable intervals along the route. The system will work through a series of trunk and feeder routes. On the trunk routes buses will have their own lanes, which will be in the median (middle) of the road. On the feeder routes buses will travel with the traffic and will ferry passengers to the trunk routes.

The R27 will be one of the first phase’s trunk routes. This therefore requires the construction of a dedicated median lane.

An important addition to the IRT infrastructure is the provision of non-motorised transit (cycle and pedestrian) facilities along the route.

To achieve this, construction work has started between Milner Road, Paarden Eiland and Blaauwberg Road, Table View. The current road shoulder/ parking embayment is being reconstructed as a general traffic lane. Work will commence shortly to reconstruct the current median lane as a dedicated lane for mass transit system.

Motorists should prepare for delays while construction is underway, but lane closures have been planned to minimise this as far as possible. Lane closures will take place as follows:

• In the inbound direction (Table View to Cape Town CBD) the roadway width will be restricted to a single lane between 09:00 and 18:00.
• In the outbound direction (Cape Town CBD to Table View) the roadway width will be restricted to a single lane between 06:00 and 15:00.

Cyclists and pedestrians have been advised to avoid this section of the R27 while the work is underway.

Motorists are also urged to be patient, to drive carefully, to adhere to the posted speed limit and to heed warnings. Lane configurations will change from time to time and excavations as well as the operation of heavy machinery directly adjacent to the travelled way present abnormal hazards.

Construction is expected to be completed by March 2010.

Construction underway for Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit System
MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 114/ 2009
05 MARCH 2009

The implementation phase of the City of Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system has commenced along the R27.

This is part of the first phase of the City’s implementation of the IRT, an integrated approach to the provision of public transport in Cape Town that will significantly change how people move around the city.

Part of the IRT infrastructure will comprise dedicated lanes on existing roads for the various public transport routes, and stations at suitable intervals along the route. The system will work through a series of trunk and feeder routes. On the trunk routes buses will have their own lanes, which will be in the median (middle) of the road. On the feeder routes buses will travel with the traffic and will ferry passengers to the trunk routes.

The R27 will be one of the first phase’s trunk routes. This therefore requires the construction of a dedicated median lane.

An important addition to the IRT infrastructure is the provision of non-motorised transit (cycle and pedestrian) facilities along the route.

To achieve this, construction work has started between Milner Road, Paarden Eiland and Blaauwberg Road, Table View. The current road shoulder/ parking embayment is being reconstructed as a general traffic lane. Work will commence shortly to reconstruct the current median lane as a dedicated lane for mass transit system.

Motorists should prepare for delays while construction is underway, but lane closures have been planned to minimise this as far as possible. Lane closures will take place as follows:

• In the inbound direction (Table View to Cape Town CBD) the roadway width will be restricted to a single lane between 09:00 and 18:00.
• In the outbound direction (Cape Town CBD to Table View) the roadway width will be restricted to a single lane between 06:00 and 15:00.

Cyclists and pedestrians have been advised to avoid this section of the R27 while the work is underway.

Motorists are also urged to be patient, to drive carefully, to adhere to the posted speed limit and to heed warnings. Lane configurations will change from time to time and excavations as well as the operation of heavy machinery directly adjacent to the travelled way present abnormal hazards.

Construction is expected to be completed by March 2010.

good stuff!!!i i'm still trying to figure out where it will feed in with the N1
are the changes currently on the N1 part of the BRT?

^^ Great news! Just feel sorry for the Table View/Blouberg/Du Noon commuters who work in the city. The next year is going to be hell-on-earth... but for long term gain! :)

EDIT: The BRT from Paarden Island to the CBD follows an old disused rail line that goes under Table Bay Boulevard and enters the CBD via Culemborg, so no... N1 is not a factor is this phase.

BRT Impact Assessment Reports:

#Koeberg Road Public Transport Route and Bicycle Way - Boundary Road to Blaauwberg Road : Basic Assessment Report (including Comments-Responses Report) (March 2009) (http://www.dbass.biz/files/BRT_KR_BAR_Mar2009.pdf)

# Blaauwberg Road/R27 Public Transport Route and Bicycle Way : Draft Basic Assessment Report (February 2009) [6.1 MB File] The comment period on this report closes on 18 March 2009 (http://www.dbass.biz/files/BRT_BRR27_DBAR_Feb2009.pdf)

# Potsdam Road Public Transport Route and Bicycle Way : Draft Basic Assessment Report (January 2009) [5.7 MB File] The comment period on this report closed on 26 February 2009
(http://www.dbass.biz/files/BRT_PR_DBAR_Jan2009.pdf)

# R27 Public Transport Route and Bicycle Way - Boundary Road to Blaauwberg Road : Environmental Authorisation [759 KB File] The Environmental Authorisation was issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning on 20 November 2008 (http://www.dbass.biz/files/BRT_R27_EA_20Nov2008.pdf)


# R27 Public Transport Route and Bicycle Way - Boundary Road to Blaauwberg Road : Basic Assessment Report (including Comments-Responses Report) (October 2008) [11.0 MB File] The comment period on this report closed on 12 November 2008 (http://www.dbass.biz/files/BRT_R27_BAR_Oct2008.pdf)

# Public Transport Route and Bicycle Way - Heerengracht to Boundary Road : Environmental Authorisation [845 KB File] The Environmental Authorisation was issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning on 23 October 2008 (http://www.dbass.biz/files/BRT_PE_EA_23Oct2008.pdf)

# Public Transport Route and Bicycle Way - Heerengracht to Boundary Road : Basic Assessment Report (including Comments-Responses Report) (August 2008) [14.8 MB File] The comment period on this report closed on 29 September 2008 (http://www.dbass.biz/files/BRT_PE_BAR_Aug2008.pdf)

Brilliant news! I cant help but wonder, the impact all these developments will have on the people who rely on public transport as the only means of transportation. I hope we see a decrease in unemployment and everything attributed to this such as crime and grime. exciting times we live in ey?

EDIT: The BRT from Paarden Island to the CBD follows an old disused rail line that goes under Table Bay Boulevard and enters the CBD via Culemborg, so no... N1 is not a factor is this phase.

Oh? I didn't realise that! Thanks...great to know.

looking at the traffic on the N1, a BRT route would help a lot.

People from Bloem and one of our forumers will be pleased to know that one of the BRT stations will be called Vrystaat

...and then changed to Nelson Mandela station a few years later.Whats the naming procedure over there?

^^ Not like yours up north. Very very strictly and sensitively handled. The Western Cape generally does not go for ANY name changes and prefers to name new roads, places, things etc. the names that reflect our "more recent" history. Changing names would not go down well with most endemic Western Capers. Most of our province's names come from "distant history" when compared to upcountry places. Plus, the Western Cape is very Afrikaans dominated, with Cape Town Metro being a balance of Xhosa (since 1980's), English and Afrikaans (historically).

The city council set up a completely independent panel of historians, city planners and community groups to discuss and approve any name changes. Some have been mooted, but the changes have not yet come into effect.

Station Names : City to Altantis Route

1. Civic Centre
2. Woodstock
3. Paarden Island
4. Neptune
5. Section
6. Vrystaat
7. Zoar Vlei
8. Riet Vlei
9. Woodbrige Island
10. Milnerton
11. Racecourse Road
12. Sunset Beach
13. Sandowne
14. Bayside
15. Table View
16. Flamingo Vlei
17. Wood Drive
18. Boy de Goede
19. Diep River
20. Killarney Gardens
21. Killarney Racetrack
22. Sati
23. Du Noon
24. Doornbach

People from Bloem and one of our forumers will be pleased to know that one of the BRT stations will be called Vrystaat

:pepper:

How the vote for BRT went down:

The recommendations as in the report on the agenda were put to the vote, whereupon there voted:

In favour 112
Against 0
Abstentions 75 (ANC, AMP & NPP)

The recommendations were therefore carried.

I like the station names. Neptune is nice :)

Vrystaat and neptune are streets in Paarden Eiland

How the vote for BRT went down:

The recommendations as in the report on the agenda were put to the vote, whereupon there voted:

In favour 112
Against 0
Abstentions 75 (ANC, AMP & NPP)

The recommendations were therefore carried.
Why would the ANC abstain? They don't want people in Atlantis, DuNoon and Table View to be able to get to work? They want NO efficient public transport for 2010? They want NO BRT Phase 2 that will service the Cape Flats, the poorest communities in the Cape?

I do not get them at all!

^^ They're probably scared of/agree with the taxi operators. The ANC fail to amaze me (and not in a good way).

Taking on the taxis

Article By: Lindiwe Mlandu
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:55

Fifteen-year-old Nangamso Ngcongothela will never be able to see with her right eye again as a result of the recent taxi strike in Cape Town. She was shot through her eye while crossing Kuwait taxi rank in Khayelitsha. She was on her way home after her school was released early due to the violent taxi strike.

Collateral damage in the ongoing taxi war, this innocent schoolgirl was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught in the crossfire of a confrontation between taxi drivers and police.

Taxi operators across South Africa are up in arms against the soon-to-be-adopted Bus Rapid Transit. The taxi industry feels that the BRT system, which is expected to be an integrated system to accommodate visitors to the 2010 World Cup and beyond, will threaten their livelihood.

The BRT is aimed at upgrading South Africa's public transport. It will feature dedicated and segregated bus-only lanes and safe, weather-protected bus stations equipped to deal with disabled passengers.

It also has the added advantage of being easier and faster to build than a light rail transport system.

In the first phase the BRT buses will be running to 150 stations positioned half-a-kilometre from each other. The buses will run every three minutes during peak time, and every 10 minutes during off-peak time, running 18 hours a day from 5am to midnight everyday.

The City's position

Many developing countries have adopted BRT and it has proved to be successful. Robert McDonald spokesperson for Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille said: "We consulted the main taxi organisation right from the beginning, and even took their leadership to South America to see the proposed system in action. They were very positive about it."

McDonald went on to blame the National Taxi Association, which developed as a splinter group from the main South African Taxi Council body, claiming that they have been "more and more militant and unwilling to engage".

McDonald did not rule out the possibility of another strike, but he said that the mayor had met with the premier as well as heads of other security organisations in the province to prepare a joint strategy in response to any violence or intimidation.

'We will burn those buses'

The National Taxi Association (NTA) mostly represents illegal taxi operators who do not hold valid operating licences. In Cape Town, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, this group has called for the IRT (Integrated Rapid Transit) system to be stopped, because they claim that it will cost them their jobs.

According to McDonald, the City of Cape Town has repeatedly made it clear to them that this is not so and that the City needs taxi operators and drivers to be part of the IRT system to make it work.

Some of the NTA members believe that the IRT will be like the failed Taxi Recapitalisation Programme. But it is not — it does not require them to put any money in and it will increase the number of people using the public transport and so create jobs and more income for them.

A taxi owner belonging to NTA has denied that they were taken to South America. "That's a lie, the government took ANC members to Brazil and they liked the BRT not us. We are the only black-owned business in this country and why is the government trying to put us out of business? We have kids that are in universities, how are we supposed to support them if we travel for shorter distances?"

He went on to say that they made it clear to the government from day one that they did not endorse the bus system. When asked about the way forward he said: "Jeff Radebe (transport minister) told us that they are going ahead with the BRT, so we have no choice but to disrupt the World Cup. We will burn those buses."

The taxi owner believes that they are fighting for their rights the "only way we know how". When asked what he meant, he said: "We will unleash violence in all the major cities. We will travel to all the cities and hell will break loose until the government gives in."

He said that they refuse to be bullied around just because they "are uneducated and do not pay taxes. If the government want us to pay taxes he must fund us and then we can pay taxes," he said.

The taxi owner said that they walked out of the recent negotiations with Mayor Helen Zille because she is "big-headed" and they cannot continue negotiations with her. He also accused the mayor of investing in the BRT.

If all hell breaks loose we will be rid of taxi drivers forever . Shoot to kill if the army is called in .......

Bring in the army - they sorted out the xenaphobic attacks last year and they will sort of this taxi mafia we have.

When asked about the way forward he said: "Jeff Radebe (transport minister) told us that they are going ahead with the BRT, so we have no choice but to disrupt the World Cup. We will burn those buses."

The taxi owner believes that they are fighting for their rights the "only way we know how". When asked what he meant, he said: "We will unleash violence in all the major cities. We will travel to all the cities and hell will break loose until the government gives in."

He said that they refuse to be bullied around just because they "are uneducated and do not pay taxes. If the government want us to pay taxes he must fund us and then we can pay taxes," he said.


:stupid:
:ohno: After these quotes... well, they sound like they have the IQ of Amoeba's! The tact of Osama Bin Laden! The social etiquette of a Wild Pig!

:guns1:Crush them Zille... Comments like that ^^ they deserve no place in a peaceful democracy where everyone contributes to a better South Africa. "Fund us, only then we'll pay taxes." WTF!!! How the bloody f%^k do these pathetic peophols think taxes work?

The NTA is more of a terrorist organisation than PAGAD! I don't know how the government doesn't see this? This is serious!

Taking on the taxis
The taxi owner believes that they are fighting for their rights the "only way we know how". When asked what he meant, he said: "We will unleash violence in all the major cities. We will travel to all the cities and hell will break loose until the government gives in."
BRT.

They won't be doing any travelling if all the taxis are impounded...

Seriously though there are ways around this that don't require army interference. Before BRT goes live they're going to need bus drivers (and a bunch of support staff for ticketing, maintainence and cleaning). Start hiring taxi drivers now already by promising to pay them more, agreeing to give them better terms (i.e. pension, sick leave - currently you get fiyahd if you don't report for duty as a taxi driver... etc).

Then start prosecuting the taxi bosses (the guys who really aren't paying taxes, living in pimped up mansions across the country) if their taxis are involved in illegal strike action based on taxi bosses allowing their property to be used in this way and for not firing drivers who misbehave. Sue the bosses for damages and attach their property (in this case taxis). You wrap the bosses up in litigation and "salaries" don't get paid...

Heck, what these guys are suggesting is pretty much treason, punishable by death in many countries still - even some first world ones. The government needs to be less apologetic and just say "no".

Seriously though there are ways around this that don't require army interference. Before BRT goes live they're going to need bus drivers (and a bunch of support staff for ticketing, maintainence and cleaning). Start hiring taxi drivers now already by promising to pay them more, agreeing to give them better terms (i.e. pension, sick leave - currently you get fiyahd if you don't report for duty as a taxi driver... etc).
That's the problem... the City of Cape Town has already told them this, they do not listen, they do not care and they also do not communicate these facts to the drivers. The NTA bosses just DO NOT GIVE A FLYING F%^K!

The NTA have until 22 April then we'll start unleashing the full might of the law and the army upon them in the Western Cape . In our neighbouring town when a gang one morning started harassing residents and the police couldnt cope fast enough they called in the help from the nereby airforce base . What did they send?: A rooivalk gunship , Oryx and two anti personel Eurocopters . Needless to say the criminal scum were all captured . Just wished they fired shots at the Rooivalk.............. !!!! KAAABOOOOOM!! :fiddle:

New bicycle parking at Green Point Stadium

By Sasha Forbes
24 March 2009

The City of Cape Town has made ample provision for bicycle parking as part of its new Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system around the new Green Point Stadium.

“There will be two parking areas for bicycles at the stadium, one near to McDonalds, and the other close to the Virgin Active Tennis Courts.
We are also looking at available parking option in areas such as Green Market Square and the Waterfront,” said the City’s Kylie Hatton

As part of the first phase of the IRT system, the city is looking at rolling out bicycle paths and lanes right across the city. “If you look at the construction that we are doing on the R27 one of the things we are doing is adding in safe bicycle ways all the way into the city, so that people will be able to cycle into the city as well as use public transportation,” said Hatton

The A-Z of IRT (http://www.capetownpartnership.co.za/images/fileuploads/The%20A%20to%20Z%20of%20the%20Integrated%20Rapid%20Transit%20system.pdf)

International consultant on carbon financing to assess Cape Town IRT system



A BONUS benefit of the new Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system will be stacks of carbon credits in the bank for the City of Cape Town.

Due to the expected reduction in carbon emissions as a result of fewer individual vehicles being on the roads, the Mother City will have more clean-air moola to trade.

Under the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol, reductions in carbon emissions can be sold. Juan Lopez-Silva, an international consultant on carbon financing, is currently in Cape Town to assess exactly how much the IRT system could reduce emissions.

The IRT system will include efficient, centrally despatched public transport services using high quality, large vehicles travelling in their own dedicated lane on the main routes, as well as designated cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways.

Once fully implemented the IRT will provide Capetonians with a much improved, safe and reliable public transport system that will dramatically reduce commuters’ daily travelling time. According to Lopez-Silva, the IRT will re-organise the whole system of transport operators into a centralised, more efficient system.

“At the moment public transport operators in Cape Town are working separately. They are uncoordinated and they are competing for passengers on over-serviced routes.

“Under the new IRT system the least possible number of vehicles will move the most possible number of people. Passengers will be transported in larger vehicles on better designed routes, thereby reducing kilometres travelled and therefore reducing fuel consumption. If you have a reduction in fuel usage, you’ll have a reduction in green house gas emissions,” he said.

Certain countries are obligated to reduce their carbon emissions within the next three years. They can do this either by getting industries in their own countries to reduce emissions, or by buying emissions from countries who are not obligated to reduce their emissions.

South Africa, a signatory of the protocol, is not obligated to reduce emissions and therefore is in a position to sell any reductions we are able to achieve.

Lopez-Silva will calculate how much less carbon emission the IRT will mean for Cape Town so that emissions can be sold to the countries obligated to reduce their emissions.

He said that the money gained from this reduction in carbon emissions will come to the City of Cape Town and help with the centralised organisation of the IRT.

“It will not be enough to pay for public transport vehicle replacement or infrastructure but it will be helpful for the central organisation of the IRT.”

So is this under construction now? if so is there any pics?

Little bit of patience.

Took a drive along Marine Drive on Tuesday night and they've done a lot of digging with regards to widening the road.

I just saw some awesome BRT videos on E News detailing how the system will work. Anyone have a link to them? They said the City of Cape Town provided them. Checked the website but don't see anything.

Cape Town Starts On IRT System

Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system will benefit everyone in the city, from the poorest to the most affluent. To reap the benefits of an efficient, safe and reliable public transport service, that will run every day of the year from 4:30 am until midnight, we need to endure some short term pain. The long term gains for the city will be worthwhile and we hope the public will be understanding and patient during the construction phases,” says the City's Kylie Hatton.

According to Hatton the city’s current public transport does not provide frequent scheduled services, or services out of peak times or at night. “Capetonians without private vehicles struggle to get to certain areas in the city,” she said. “The IRT will make the city more accessible for everyone.”

Once up and running the IRT system will resolve the daily traffic congestion. “More people will use public transport once they see how fast, safe and reliable the IRT system will be,” said Hatton. “With less private vehicles driving to work everyday, the IRT will reduce carbon emissions in the city.”

Hatton said a world class public transport system would also make Cape Town more enticing to tourists.

The new IRT system will be rolled out in phases over the next ten to fifteen years, once fully rolled out it will cover the entire city and surrounding suburbs.

The first phase will include the airport – city link and the city – stadium link which will be completed by the World Cup in 2010. Thereafter the West Coast link along the R27, including Du Noon, Doornbach, Atlantis and Mamre, will be rolled out in 2010.

The 2nd Phase will cover the areas south east of the city, including Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain as well as the southern suburbs. The 3rd and 4th Phases will cover the northern suburbs, such as Bellville and Durbanville and the Delft and Blue Downs areas, extending all the way to the Helderberg.

“The biggest construction areas for Phase 1 will take place along the R27 and in the city centre along Hertzog Boulevard and around the civic centre,” said Hatton.

“We have provided an outline of the schedule of construction. “The IRT is one of the biggest projects ever taken on by the City and will provide a legacy to the next generation of a world class public transport system that will benefit all. We hope the public will be patient and understanding of the long term benefits to the city, should they be inconvenienced by the construction in the short term,” she said.

Good to see the thickness of the road surfacing being done. This should last a good few years! This is taken on the N1, Cape Town

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nOxuOC_XZ2g/Sc4SZvJS6vI/AAAAAAAABOM/ihS_r_5W9do/s640/27032009083.jpg

^^ thats pretty standard, infact there is still another thinner final layer that goes ontop of that still. Lifespan is still only 7 - 10 yrs before it needs to be re-layered.

Interesting, i've never seen anything as thick as this surface. Seems ~10cm thick

Took a drive along Marine Drive on Tuesday night and they've done a lot of digging with regards to widening the road.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3395478923_b46173aa15_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3395484819_0e65f4b858_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3396295400_f27d9b7d94_b.jpg

Excellent Mo. Pity it was at night otherwise I would have snapped some photos myself!

Excellent Mo. Pity it was at night otherwise I would have snapped some photos myself!

search youtube for creative cape town.
there is one video where a guy from ARG talks about the IRT stations (with pics) from about 5:30.

Zille-Magi-Grow still works! :banana: Damn, they work bloody fast. Thanks for the updates Mo, just feel sorry for the commuters from the Blaauwberg area over the next year... but it's for the long-term best. :)

A mate of mine makes the trip every day and apparently using back-roads isn't too bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIR52T6VyZM

From about 5:30 he talks IRT.

kIR52T6VyZM

Found this in the budget. Its a world cup BRT project for Klipfontein Road?
I assume its for feeder buses for the N2 BRT or BRT busses to serve the fan park and training venue stadium.

Any ideas?


IRT:Klipfontein Corridor:34,000,000
WC:Klipfontein BRT Scheme:10,000,000
WC:Klipfontein BRT Scheme:11,000,000
WC:Klipfontein BRT Scheme:19,000,000

Fine, nobody answer my question!!

Anyway, I could be imagining things, which I'm good at, but some of the BRT stations have green(grass?) roof structures.

Fine, nobody answer my question!!

Anyway, I could be imagining things, which I'm good at, but some of the BRT stations have green(grass?) roof structures.

So who is going to mow the lawn ?

Outline of the IRT Construction Schedule – Phase 1

* R27 - Blaauwberg Road to Atlantis
Construction of IRT stations between Atlantis and Sandown Road are being finalised, station construction begins in 2010.

* R27 – From Sandown Road to Blaauwberg Road
Construction of cycle lane to be completed by March 2010.

* R27 – from Blaauwberg Road to Milner Road (Paarden Eiland)
Dedicated IRT lanes and cycle lanes are currently under construction and will be completed by March 2010.

* Potsdam Road from Doornbach to Blaauwberg Road
Construction of IRT lanes and a cycle lane begins July 2009 until mid-2010.

* Bayside Centre linking to the R27
Construction of a major IRT station and cycle lane begins mid-April 2009

* Blaauwberg Road (between R27 & Potsdam Road)
Construction of IRT lanes and a cycle lane in the median of the road will begin in approximately mid-June 2009. The construction will not affect the avenue of trees.

* Hertzog Boulevard (and Civic Lane and Old Marine Road)
Construction of dedicated IRT lanes, IRT station and a cycle lane begins mid-April 2009 until March 2010.

* Somerset Road
Cycle lane is currently under construction, completed by March 2010

* Inner-city IRT Services to Hout Bay
Construction of IRT infrastructure including some IRT lanes, stations and cycle infrastructure begins in the second half of 2009

* Century City
Construction of IRT stations begins at the end of 2009, from Century City via Bosmansdam Road and Koeberg Road to the R27 at Woodbridge Island.

* Airport
The Airport Plaza, with an IRT station base structure will be completed by December 2009, the station top structure will be completed by March 2010.

Phase 1A

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/PublishingImages/irt_map_02_s.jpg

Phase 1,2

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/PublishingImages/irt_map_05_s.jpg

Phase 1,2,3

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/PublishingImages/irt_map_04_s.jpg

Phase 1,2,3,4

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/PublishingImages/irt_map_03_s.jpg

Video!!:)

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/Pages/IRT_promo_video.aspx

That's the video I was talking about that was on the news :D

I knew I was NOT imagining those green station roof structures!

i find the maps highly confusing, thick lines, thin lines, big cirlcles, red ones blue ones, i`m lost already

when will the whole of phase 1A be complete? march 2010? and where will the camps bay station be?

I dont think its grass by the way, just a green coloured roof.

Camps Bay station i would assume would be on the beachfront, infront of the pick `n pay.

I think someone should open up a new thread in the international section, since we have more than enough resources :)

I dont think its grass by the way, just a green coloured roof.

Camps Bay station i would assume would be on the beachfront, infront of the pick `n pay.

wont it be a bit tricky to have a bus route going through Victoria Road?

The route to Camps Bay along with many others will be feeder routes so there wont be a dedicated bus lane but rather smaller busses that link up with BRT stations that travel on the normal road.

thick trunk
thin feeder

If you look from phase 2 to phase 3 it looks like alot of feeder routes disappear (I asume this is in error?)

That was an awesome video.

howcome Muizenburg is not linked to the city?

howcome Muizenburg is not linked to the city?

Because they have cool railway that runs through them, no need for a bus.

R27 median bus lanes...
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc40/andresannman/100_5255.jpg

More (crappy) R27 progress pics.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nOxuOC_XZ2g/SebSwcq2q5I/AAAAAAAABS8/X7kZf80uQvw/s640/15042009105.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nOxuOC_XZ2g/SebUUkx3hhI/AAAAAAAABTE/5qw6vI8iKeY/s640/15042009106.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nOxuOC_XZ2g/SebU87x0HgI/AAAAAAAABTM/SjrE9dxWhLI/s640/15042009107.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nOxuOC_XZ2g/SebWuhcO0cI/AAAAAAAABTU/14wpqqh9cF0/s640/15042009108.jpg

^^ Hey mate, not too crappy... I know, as I do it often for updates, driving and taking pics is a major multi-task of note. Thanks for the updates.

Capetonians, while I'm here, a reminder we're organising a Cape Town SSC network and meet early May, see the Shebeen and Sports section for details. :)

^^ Hey mate, not too crappy... I know, as I do it often for updates, driving and taking pics is a major multi-task of note. Thanks for the updates.

Capetonians, while I'm here, a reminder we're organising a Cape Town SSC network and meet early May, see the Shebeen and Sports section for details. :)

Yeah, and the cars around you wonder: :wtf:

Ss'True! Looks a hell of a lot worse than being on a cellphone.

Media Tour of IRT construction areas: guided by the City’s IRT Engineers
MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 234/ 2009
20 APRIL 2009

The City of Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit system will become operational in 2010. Construction of the IRT infrastructure including the roadways, non-motorised transport lanes and station base structures has begun. The City will be guiding members of the media through some of the key aspects of the construction underway in the first phase of the IRT during a media tour on Thursday, 07 May.

Members of the media will have an opportunity to travel with the City’s IRT team to key sites on the R27 leaving into the Civic Centre.

Date: Thursday, 07 May 2009

Time: 10:30–13:00

Venue: Civic Centre, please RSVP for Meeting Room Number

Itinerary:
1. Briefing at Civic Centre:

Presentation by: Ronald Haiden, Chief Engineer: IRT Infrastructure

2. Site tour of Construction Areas, guided by IRT engineers
With input on: station design, construction implementation and road construction

Please RSVP for Planning Purposes: Elsa Uys, Tel: 021 462 0416 or email: elsa@hwb.co.za

Opened thread in Transport Section.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=856238

jeez. work has definitely started in the culemborg area.

i've seen the first support column( I assume a bridge across the N1) already in place with a full construction team out in force.

Source: Warrenski at flickr.com

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3480520427_e642984fe0_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3480519127_0b5a8ebd08_b.jpg

First phase of new route on target for completion

May 08, 2009 Edition 2

Aziz Hartley

WITH the 2010 soccer World Cup 13 months away, phase one of Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) system is on target for completion in March.

City council officials and engineers showed yesterday how construction of a dedicated trunk road that stretched from the city centre to the Bayside Mall in Tableview had progressed.

Road works under way on the route run through Woodstock, Paarden Eiland and across the Salt River canal before it links to the R27 and heads north.

Construction work includes a dedicated lane for cyclists.

"We are doing everything to cause the least inconvenience to the public during construction, and apologise for the inconvenience," said council media manager Kylie Hatton.

The first phase included a link between the city centre and Cape Town's 2010 stadium, and with the airport.

While the links would be completed before next year's soccer spectacle, the next phases in the IRT system would later be rolled out to include areas such Du Noon, Atlantis and Mamre on the West Coast, and east metropole areas such as Blue Downs, Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain.

Bus stations along the approximately 16km route would have surveillance cameras, electronic information boards and security guards.

Surveillance cameras would also be installed on the route and traffic on the IRT would be monitored at a control room based in Goodwood.

Tourists would benefit from transit maps on buses and electronic display of landmarks, Hatton said that phase one was part of a public transport undertaking made to Fifa.

Andre Frieslaar, an infrastructure engineer with HHO Africa, said the dedicated lanes would be constructed in a way to prevent it being used by traffic other than the special commuter buses.

City council chief engineer Ron Haiden said that about R500 million had been allocated to seven contracts, and that roadworks were expected to peak later this year.

About 60 bus stations, some with four or six platforms, would be built.

"This route was chosen as a first phase because it is manageable and affordable," he said.

aziz.hartley@inl.co.za

I lived in Cape Town all my life without decent public transport (although the southern suburbs Simonstown train line was pretty good), and it was still one of the best cities to live in.
With the 2010 legacy, it is going to be the worlds BEST CITY!
Seriously, it was always top 5 for natural beauty, views, seascapes etc.
Now with food (2 restaurants in world top 50, 5 in top 100) - not including new Nobu and Maze, new buildings, convention centre, IRT, Greenpoint fabulous stadium and tanfastic urban park, and other stuff, it is getting all the mod con boxes that a city needs to tick to be 'best on planet'.
Go Cape Town you beautiful thing...

Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transport System: Media Site Tour
MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 267/ 2009
07 MAY 2009

Members of the media were taken on a guided tour of the City of Cape Town’s key Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system construction sites this morning (07 May).

The tour was guided by the City’s leading IRT Engineers working on the construction of this new public transport network and visited sections of the trunk routes of Phase 1a.

The IRT system is a long-term project with four planned phases due to be completed by 2018. Because it is a road-based system the IRT system will be able to grow with the city.

The tour group visited the route through the Culemborg site and the section along the West Coast which forms part of Phase 1a. This West Coast service will serve the communities of Atlantis, Mamre and Du Noon as well as the West Coast business and residential areas stretching into Cape Town’s CBD.

The tour visited sections of the main trunk route, where construction of dedicated IRT lanes is underway. Within the IRT system there will be trunk and feeder services. The trunk routes are marked by thick lines on the IRT map, and the feeder services by the thin lines. The trunk services will make use of 18m long articulated vehicles operating mostly in their own dedicated lanes, while the feeder services will operate using smaller (12m and 8m long) vehicles that operate in the same lanes as regular traffic.

The tour followed the IRT trunk route in a northerly direction travelling from the Civic Centre to Culemborg, the N1 Underpass, the IRT bridge over the Salt River Canal and the trunk route on the R27.

Culemborg Site
The Culemborg Site will be the last section of trunk route bus way and a parallel cycleway coming into the city, towards the main IRT station at Hertzog Boulevard. The construction on this site runs alongside the commercial and harbour train lines. One can see the beach sand at this site from the old Woodstock Beach, as well as a layer of black ash from the past era of the steam engines.

Travelling in a northerly direction on the trunk route, the route will be elevated onto the Woodstock side of the N1 to cross the existing rail network. The location of the trunk route in this area integrates the existing rail network with the IRT system, with the Esplanade and Woodstock rail stations in close proximity to the proposed IRT Woodstock station.

The Culemborg site is mainly owned by Transnet, and the City is purchasing a servitude across the land for the trunk route.

N1 Underpass Site in Paarden Eiland
The IRT lanes will go under the N1 using the old railway reserve bridge. This underpass site is currently occupied by the Table Bay Boulevard widening project, a Provincial Government project. Once this is completed the IRT engineers will move onto the site.

This underpass will link the IRT lanes through Paarden Eiland to the Culemborg busway. Once the full IRT system is up and running by 2018, this Culemborg busway will be extended to east of the Koeberg Interchange and will link with busways connecting to the Metro South East, the Airport and the Delft/Blue Downs area.

Salt River Canal Site
The City of Cape Town is constructing a bridge over the Salt River Canal for the IRT busway. The area around the pylons has been sandbagged and the water pumped out. This has been a complicated task as the water from the sea often flows into the canal in waves. The bridge is being constructed to allow for future widening of the Salt River Canal. The IRT trunk lane and cycle lane will follow this route over the canal.

Milner Road, Otto du Plessis Intersection
Here the IRT lanes will turn off the R27 (from the Milnerton side) left onto Milner Road, where they will proceed along the old Railroad Reserve towards the N1.

At this site it is possible to get a good view of the construction that is underway. Here a cycle lane, planting lane as well as IRT lanes going in both directions are under construction.

Due to the Milnerton Informal Traders trading on this site over weekends the area for the cycle lane and planting lane (for vegetation) has been made narrower, allowing an extra 1.3m for the traders.

The R27
Along the R27 it is possible to see the IRT trunk and cycles lanes under construction. In two small sections between Boundary Road and Woodbridge Island, and along the Milnerton Lagoon there is not enough room for IRT bus lanes in both directions, for this reason there will only be an IRT bus lane South bound, towards the city.

The rest of the route will allow for IRT lanes in both directions as well as the cycle lanes and a planting lane separating cyclists and pedestrians from the traffic lanes.

Construction update:


Milnerton Bridge

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/05/13/11/46/3627156_912x684.JPG

Before N1 underpass
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/05/13/11/47/3627157_684x912.JPG\

Salt River Canal Bridge

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/05/13/11/47/3627158_912x684.JPG

N1 underpass

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/05/13/11/47/3627159_912x684.JPG

Cheers for the updates, Mo.

http://thumbnails6.imagebam.com/3574/4c3ed435730056.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4c3ed435730056)

Where in Milnerton would this station be ?

Full System

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/05/15/06/39/3647731_577x692.JPG
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/05/15/06/46/3647802_917x1110.JPG

This grid is slightly different to the other grids you've put up of the IRT. The one thing that i noticed is that the bus going to Hout Bay goes via the Southern Suburbs in this diagram. In earlier diagrams it goes along the Atlantic road via Camps Bay. Which is the correct one? This one makes more sense.

They might have changed the routes....
Just check CT's website, all the information is there.

As if GA is the *best* public transport system:

CT transport plan 'unrealistic'
May 18 2009 15:39

Johannesburg - Golden Arrow Bus Services, one of Cape Town's largest bus operators, has poured cold water on the city's planned integrated rapid transport (IRT) system, saying its implementation timetable is too tight and unrealistic.

"We don't believe it's possible to get the IRT going before the 2010 Fifa World Cup as massive infrastructure construction has to occur before then," Golden Arrow CEO Nic Cronjé told Fin24.com.

"Only some of the work has been started and we believe tenders for most of these projects haven't been issued." These included bus stations and buses.

A more important issue, however, is the formation of the companies which will operate the IRT. With not much over a year to go, negotiations have only just begun on their structure and shareholdings. "In our minds, there's not sufficient (time) left to get it going," said Cronjé.

The IRT project aims to create a scheduled public transport system and is to be implemented in phases up to 2018, with the first pencilled in before June 2010.

The city of Cape Town is driving the project. It has been meeting resistance from the taxi industry, which has threatened to disrupt the plan if it goes ahead without its blessing.

Golden Arrow, which will be one of the IRT operators, said however it is not waiting for the project to be implemented. "We've invested in 25 new buses at R2m apiece to give the city a world class service," said Cronjé.

Those will be deployed to service the inner city, so that any IRT implementation delay does not cause serious congestion during the World Cup.

Cronjé said the IRT is a long-term opportunity to modernise the city's transport system, which could significantly reduce congestion over the next two decades.

^^ I laughed when I read that earlier today! :lol: Was like Iceland giving South Africa tips on fiscal responsibility. Haha... Golden Arrow telling the City of Cape Town they won't be able to make it.

R2million a bus??? what are they diamond crusted with golden plated seats that polish passengers' bums? :nuts:

Haha! Golden Arrow and world class in the same sentence? Get out of here.

As if GA is the *best* public transport system:


"Only some of the work has been started and we believe tenders for most of these projects haven't been issued." These included bus stations and buses.

Golden Arrow, which will be one of the IRT operators, said however it is not waiting for the project to be implemented. "We've invested in 25 new buses at R2m apiece to give the city a world class service," said Cronjé.



They've invested in a whole 25 busses!!!!!!

WOW, holy crap, amazing. And they're only servicing the inner city!

Well done, GA. Congratulations, truly world-class.

As if GA is the *best* public transport system:



"Only some of the work has been started and we believe tenders for most of these projects haven't been issued." These included bus stations and buses.




SCMB 121/03/09 319Q/2008/09
Construction of Atlantis integrated rapid transport corridor:Old Marine drive to Heerengracht: Roadwork, service accomodation and appurtenant works
Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd
23-03-2009
R 41,296,500.00

SCMB 58/03/09
Request for deviation: Provision of professional services: Implementation of intergrated rapid transport system-communications consultant
HWB Communications (Pty)Ltd
09-03-2009
R 2,003,105.40


SCMB 16/01/09 123C/2008/09 127/C/2008/09 128C/2008/09 131C/2008/09 133C/2008/09 135C/2008/09
Provision of professional services: Integrated rapid transport project
BKS (Pty) Ltd Nesha's Transport Consultancy CC DR Bosch Khuthele Projects (Pty) Ltd Planet Waves115 (Pty) Ltd
12-01-2009
R3,864,828.00
R1,792,650.00
R2,250,645.00
R2,124,162.00
R1,651,058.00

SCMB 63/12/08 139Q/2008/09
Construction of public transport corridor along route R27 from Racecourse road to Blaauwberg road: roadworks, services accommodation and appurtenant works
Baseline Civil Contractors (Pty) Ltd
08-12-2008
R85,803,487.04
R10,000,000.00


SCMB 96/12/08 144Q/2008/09
Construction of public transport corridor through Culemborg from Old Marine Drive to Church street: Roadworks, relocation of railways, service accomodation and appurtenant works
Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd
15-12-2008
R49,217,542.34
R5,000,000.00

SCMB 98/12/08 163Q/2008/09
Construction of public transport corridor along route R27 from Milner street to Racecourse road: Roadworks, services accommodation and appurtenant works
Martin & East (Pty) Ltd
15-12-2008
R130,364,214.02
R17,000,000.00

SCMB 71/11/08 77Q/2008/09
Construction of public transport corridor through the Paarden Eiland railway spur from N1 underpass to Milner road:Roadworks, services accommodation and appurtenant works
Martin & East (Pty) Ltd
17-11-2008
R80,395,601.57
R15,000,000.00

SCMB 72/11/08 80Q/2008/09
Construction of public transport corridor through Paarden Eiland from the N1 underpass to Milner Road: New bridge structure over Salt River Canal (World cup 2010 project)
Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd
17-11-2008
R15,994,000.00
R2,000,000.00

SCMB 11/10/08 27Q/2008/09
Construction of public transport corridor through Culemborg from Church Street to the N1 underpass: Roadworks, relocation of railways,viaduct and appurtenant works
Vusela Construction (Pty)Ltd
06-10-2008
R 82,172,818.02
R 15,000,000.00

SCMB 15/07/08
Increase in contract sum: 2010 world cup; N1 corridor priority projects - Culemborg Koeberg/R27 Corridor: increase in professional fees to cover detailed design and construction
Messrs HHO Africa
07-07-2008
R36 500 000,00


SCMB 18/04/0231Q/2007/08
Construction of Granger Bay Boulevard (2010 Project)Martin &Ninham
East ( Pty Ltd), Shand Pty Ltd ) Ltd07-04-2008
R68 419 215,49
R6 000 000,00
R6 925 150,59

GA are talking out of their arses it seems.

http://www.zoopy.com/q/wbv
Media Manager Kylie Hatton

The Integrated Rapid Transit system, for which many roads in Cape Town are currently being prepared, will change the way Capetonians commute forever. We speak to the City of Cape Town’s Media Manager, Kylie Hatton, to find out more about the system.

IRT station under construction between new circle and Portswood Intersection

By Sasha Forbes
22 May 2009

Work on the construction of Granger Bay Boulevard and the new Green Point traffic circle near to the 2010 stadium, started early 2008.

To meet public transport requirements during events at the stadium, an Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system bus station is planned for the centre island between the new traffic circle and the Portswood Road intersection on Western Boulevard.

In order to complete the Granger Bay construction, including the IRT station, in time for 2010, the current bypass that carries traffic on the Western Bypass around the new traffic circle site has to be changed.

To facilitate construction in critical areas around the traffic circle and at the Portswood intersection, it will be necessary to reduce the width of the current bypass, thus confining traffic to a single lane in each direction on a section of the bypass

The single lane system in this area will be introduced on Wednesday, May 27, and will remain in place for the next three months as sections of the new road are completed.

The City’s Roads and Stormwater Department apologises for any inconvenience that might result and gives the assurance that every effort will be made to minimise traffic delays.

Motorists are advised to use other routes where possible and to be patient.

http://stream.zoopy.com/media/cache/2009/05/18/3913/41853/thumb-550x550f.jpg
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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3557537142_5629f8b6c1.jpg?v=0

Update! Thanks to warrenski at flickr.com

Work on Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transport system progresses on the edge of Paarden Eiland, alongside the N1 freeway, where it looks as though new bridges will be raised.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3564169180_3043ae85ca_b.jpg

Work on Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transport system progresses on the edge of Paarden Eiland, alongside the N1 freeway, where abandoned buildings have been demolished to make way for the corridor.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3564172808_231e5c1f0d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3563354653_3b53541e0a_b.jpg

Work on Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transport system progresses. Here curb-stones are being cemented in place as the new lane nears completion.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3563347595_6edb0d3232_b.jpg

Looks like the work done on a demonstration curb, has now been undone.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3564163700_9528dc206d_b.jpg

Work on Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transport system progresses parallel to Otto du Plessis Drive, alongside the suburb of Sunset Beach.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3564159860_a52e7e9821_b.jpg

Work on Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transport system progresses. Here, just outside Dolphin Beach in Table View, the centre island is being turned into bus-lanes.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3564161206_54c6ab35e3_b.jpg

Work on Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transport system progresses parallel to Otto du Plessis Drive, alongside the suburb of Sunset Beach. Pictured here is the new bicycle lane that's starting to take shape.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3564159024_1f04e8dc0c_b.jpg

Very interesting.

I have checked out the official IRT site but still have some questions:

Is there a dedicated lane for buses along the entire route? Or is it like London where the lanes come & go?

I noticed (assuming my geographic orientations are correct) that the lane switches from the left to the right and the middle. How are the apparent switches handled?

How do passengers reach the stations from the opposite side of the road, will there be subways and/or bridges for them?

Cheers.

http://stream.zoopy.com/media/cache/2009/05/27/4792/43482/thumb-550x550f.jpg

Cape Town’s rapid-transit system begins taking shape

http://us-cdn.creamermedia.co.za/assets/articles/images/resized/64068_resized_adderely_street_station_rendering.jpg

By: Jade Davenport
22nd May 2009

The construction of the first phase of the City of Cape Town’s integrated rapid- transit (IRT) system, which involves the establishment of a trunk route for the key link from the West Coast to Cape Town’s central business district, is expected to be completed by March next year, with construction rolling out on other key routes thereafter.

According to City of Cape Town media manager Kylie Hatton, the proposed IRT system is a package of measures designed to provide a more sustainable and balanced integrated transport system in Cape Town.

“This includes the priority rail plan, a bus rapid-transit (BRT) system, improvements to conventional bus and minibus operations, cycle ways and bicycle parking, pedestrian and urban space upgrades, metered taxi 
integration and park-and-ride facilities,” elaborates Hatton.

“The objective of the IRT system is to make all different modes of transport work as a seamless and integrated package of options for the travelling public.”

Speaking to Engineering News, lead consulting engineer for the first phase of the IRT system Andre Frieslaar explains that the IRT system will be rolled out in four phases over the next 10 to 15 years.

“Once it is fully rolled out, it will cover the entire city and surrounding suburbs,” says Frieslaar.

The first phase will include the airport–city link, the city–stadium link and the West Coast link, which will connect the outlying areas along the R27 to the city. The second phase will cover the areas south-east of the city, 
including Khayelisha and Mitchells Plain, as well as the southern suburbs. The third and fourth phases will cover the northern suburbs, including Durbanville and Belville, extending all the way to Helderberg.

Key infrastructure of Phase 1A is currently under construction.

Phase 1A essentially consists of main trunk routes that will facilitate the BRT system 
between the inner city and airport as well as the high-density residential areas along the West Coast.

The main focus of Phase 1A is the development of road infrastructure to facilitate the BRT system. This system has been chosen as the preferred transportation system as it is significantly cheaper to develop road infrastructure per kilometre than rail infrastructure, says Hatton.

Frieslaar explains that this route is being viewed by the City of Cape Town as a demonstration phase to test the system in action.

“The biggest construction areas for Phase 1 will take place along the R27, through a disused rail siding in Paarden Eiland, through the Culemborg Site and in the city centre along Hertzog Boulevard around the civic centre,” says Frieslaar.

He elaborates that, to date, seven major contracts, totalling R500-million plus professional fees, have already been awarded
for Phase 1A.

Essentially, Phase 1A has been broken up into different sections along the trunk route in order to give different contractors an 
opportunity to participate in the project.

Frieslaar states that the contractors that have already been commissioned to work on this project are Civils 2000, Martin & East, Baseline and Vuzela.

However, he adds that tenders still need to be advertised for the 
inner-city infrastructure projects.

It is expected that all the already awarded contracts will be completed by March next year and that the BRT system for Phase 1A will be operational by the second quarter of 2010.

Phase 1A is essentially being State-funded through capital made available by government to improve urban transportation ahead of the Fifa World Cup.

The implementation of the IRT system for the greater Cape Town metropolis was 
approved in August 2008.

According to Hatton, the decision to 
implement such a system was prompted by the recognition that the current fragmented and non-integrated public transport services are unsustainable.

“In Cape Town a large percentage of the population relies on public transport,” 
explains Hatton.

“While rail is the backbone of commuter transport in the Peninsula, with approximately 
550 000 passengers travelling every day by rail, bus and minibus taxi and it is essential for the City of Cape Town to provide safe, 
reliable and affordable transportation for these commuters.”

In addition, the system is being implemented 
in order for the City of Cape Town to meet its contractual obligation in terms of safe and 
reliable transport as a host city for the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Hatton concludes that the IRT is one of the biggest projects ever to be undertaken by the City of Cape Town and it is anticipated 
to provide a legacy to the next generation of a world-class public transport system that will benefit all.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3574544974_e5ab3fbbbd_b.jpg

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Otto du Plessis Drive
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3597770625_e5761aef0e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3598577890_4f34bac07a_o.jpg

Good progress. As strange as it seems, I like the effect it has of narrowing streets. So the IRT doesn't link into CT station at all?

Good progress. As strange as it seems, I like the effect it has of narrowing streets. So the IRT doesn't link into CT station at all?

It links into the main transport hub on Hertzog Boulevard with a few stations, which connects to the waterfront, stadium, sea point etc.
The hub is within walking distance of the train station. There may be a few stations just outside the station I think.

Ah, I see.

Nice view of the Crystal Towers in the background there.

Replanting of Trees key part of Green Point Stadium IRT Station construction


http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/irt/PublishingImages/after_resize.jpg
In order to construct the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) station serving the Green Point Stadium it is necessary to remove ten Eucalyptus trees that form part of a grove of about 14 trees.

Cllr Elizabeth Thompson Mayoral Committee member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater said “the City will plant approximately three times more trees than had to be removed, as part of landscaping around the new IRT Stadium Station”.

The trees marked for removal are located in the median (middle section) of Western Boulevard, just to the west of the pedestrian crossing at Portswood Road.

The City’s IRT engineers tried everything possible to prevent the removal of the trees, as the City believes the trees are an essential part of Green Point and add character to the area.

The new station will be located in the median of the road between Portswood Road and the new elevated Green Point Circle, which is currently being constructed. Many of the newly planted trees will be 12m high, mature trees.

“As part of the preparations the City has engaged with representatives of the Green Point Rate Payer Association, as well as the City’s Parks Department, Spatial Planning and Urban Design department and the Ward Councillor and Sub-Council Chairperson for the area, Cllr JP Smith”, said Cllr Thompson

In order to give residents and users of the IRT system a clear understanding a very recent photo of the construction site at Green Point, with the trees to be removed circled, as well as a rendering of what the station, with the landscaping will look like is attached to this release.

Green Point Stadium IRT Station

Before

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Before_final2.jpg

After

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/After_final2.jpg

Green Point Stadium IRT Hub - Western Boulevard

- Four IRT stations (two inbou
- Covered walkways leading under the circle

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/StationplanGPS.jpg

Hopefully they will replace those drab grey eucalypts with something a little more lively and green...

that station will also be red and blue like the others right?

Unlikely. Probably very neutral to please the stadium architects.

but our other stations will be red and blue? They must make up their minds....
Roughly how many people will be able to be inside the stations?, and how many can the buses transport?

but our other stations will be red and blue? They must make up their minds....
Roughly how many people will be able to be inside the stations?, and how many can the buses transport?

Some hubs can deal with 20,000 an hour but Im not sure about the busses.

Other stations maybe red and blue or maybe just white poles, which I would prefer.

I cant wait till we see the structure going up.
Lastly prices? I heard for the BRT it would rage from R4- R16.... (In an interview on Heart 104.9 Radio)

Yip.

So how do they turn the "long-bus" around then? That bus route seems to just end and I don't think a 3 point turn is going to do the job?

So how do they turn the "long-bus" around then? That bus route seems to just end and I don't think a 3 point turn is going to do the job?

Elevated Circle. The IRT stations are to the bottom right of the first image. In between the boulevards connecting to the circle.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3129659484_d9b7bff835_o.pnghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3129660352_0b013a39b3_o.png

Stadium Service.

The red blocks indicate the stadium IRT hubs,each with 2 to 4 stations and pedestrian access to the stadium, either via the forecourt or under the elevated circle.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/StadiumIRThubs.jpg

Good, now that those gum trees are going to be removed, they can replace them with indigenous trees. As long as they don't replace them with palm trees.

Rocky road to 2010
As we count down the days to the kick-off in exactly one year, the government's tranport plan has emerged as the single biggest stumbling block to Cape Town staging a successful World Cup

June 11, 2009 Edition 1

CLAYTON BARNES

WITH exactly a year to the World Cup kick-off, the controversy over the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system has emerged as the single biggest threat to Cape Town's staging a successful tournament.

While President Jacob Zuma visits Green Point Stadium today to mark the one-year countdown, Transport Minister S'bu Ndebele was expected to be locked in talks in Gauteng with the taxi industry, which has threatened to make the Western Cape ungovernable if the IRT is rolled out.

In addition to the problem with the taxi industry, two more key challenges need to be resolved:

# The province's event-specific transport plan is yet to be finalised.

# A R91 million tender related to 2010 transport is under scrutiny by the auditor-general.

There is also no clear indication whether the first phase of the IRT system, the nucleus of the 2010 transport network, will be implemented in time for the World Cup. But the government says it is confident that the plan will go ahead.

Ndebele was expected to meet the taxi bosses at Gallagher Estate, Gauteng, today to resume talks over the implementation of the contentious system.

Zuma had called on taxi bosses to halt all protest action before the April election, promising to meet them as soon as the new government was formed.

Zuma's visit to the Green Point Stadium, for a tour of the construction site later today, will be followed by a 2010 "readiness update" by local organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan.

Talks between city authorities and taxi drivers deadlocked last year over the implementation of Phase 1A of the IRT - from Table View into the city.

This was followed by weeks of large-scale chaos and violence across the Western Cape.

In spite of this, the city resumed infrastructural work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system - a move that further infuriated taxi operators on the West Coast and in Du Noon. The BRT forms part of the IRT plan.

Yesterday National Taxi Alliance (NTA) provincial spokesman Mvuyisile Mente described the IRT as "a killer".

He said there would be large-scale destruction if the system was implemented.

"We don't want BRT and IRT; implementing them would be asking for trouble," said Mente.

"BRT is a killer and will result in violence across the province if they go ahead with it."

Speaking before today's meeting, Phillip Taaibosch, chairman of the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco), said the IRT in its present form was "completely unacceptable".

He said taxi operators would only agree on a new transport system if the government devised a structured plan in consultation with the industry's roleplayers.

"We won't buy in to it until we see a viable plan," said Taaibosch. "BRT is not just unacceptable, it's completely unacceptable."

He said today's meeting would be the first IRT meeting with a government minister since they had heard about the proposed new public transport system last year.

Transport spokesman Sam Mon-areng said a statement on the outcome would be issued later today.

Asked whether the IRT would be ready in time for the World Cup, Pieter Cronje, the city's 2010 spokesman, said: "The city will have a system ready to transport visitors and spectators from the airport to the city centre and from there to the stadium."

Thami Manyathi, head of the provincial Transport and Public Works Department, said the department was negotiating with the taxi industry and other service pro-viders to make sure the IRT was ready.

He said there was "no cause for concern" over the R91m tender awarded to US firm Games Transportation Systems Services (GTSS), to devise a "solid" transport plan for the World Cup.

"We will only finalise the plan after the final draw in December," he said. "That's when we will know exactly how many visitors to expect and how many teams will come to the Western Cape."

Manyathi said GTSS was the only company in the country able to devise a 2010 event-specific transport plan.

World football body Fifa says it is confident that the government and host cities would stage a successful World Cup. But it has a contingency plan to to transport spectators through Match, its hospitality service provider.

^^ I'm sick of these neanderthals!!! :ohno: They claim there will be violence "province-wide." Violence by whom? By the populace that stands to benefit from IRT? The poor commuters that have safe, fast alternatives to their place-of-employment? The people not having to sit in traffic anymore? The people not dying in taxi collisions or being stranded or intimidated whenever they decide to strike?

No, just the taxi bosses, they're the only ones who will cause violence. I want them all rounded up, and sent to Marion Island with no chance to return. I want these thugs banished from mainland South Africa. They can live off Albatross eggs and freeze to death for the rest of their lives for all we care. They're holding progress and transport in this country to ransom like terrorists and should be handled as terrorists. :gunz:

Just read the Argus.
This guy exaggerates two issues!

1. Not even the city's event specific plan is finalized. Its a draft with multiple versions which is only finalized once it needs to be.
2. The tender is really not a major issue that will impact transport. We're spending over R10 billion on transport and he focusses on R91 million?
3. IRT is an issue but construction is on schedule, tenders awarded, everything on track with or without 1 minor taxi operator consisting of vultures.

At the end of the day the title of this article was decided upon before the content of the article was "inserted". 1 year away from 2010 with major upgrades taking place in terms of public transport, this article and its direction was intentional.

Just sent the journalist a piece of my mind.

and.....?

and.....?
no reply...duh. little does he know that my cousin who is also a front page journalist could send me his number.

Nice.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3632325161_b7b59e6b20.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3633135998_b46fb98cd9.jpg?v=0
Whats happening here? part of the system?

Is this what the busses will look like? I found this at:
http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/Cityunveilsmultibillionrandpublictransportplan.aspx
http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv4/ben-ami/bus.jpg

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv4/ben-ami/bus.jpg

???

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/17/12/52/4026892_957x133.JPGhttp://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/17/12/52/4026894_944x495.JPGhttp://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/17/12/51/4026876_941x376.JPGhttp://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/17/12/51/4026879_955x566.JPGThis is the basic concept of the Green Point Stadium IRT station that I tried to recreate in sketchup.

Four stations, with a covered central walkway linking directly under the elevated circle.

The covered walkways appears to have some sort of mesh providing wind protection. The station is quite simple but elegant and light and airy at the same time, with trees wrapped around it to limit the visual impact and to ensure it blends into the surrounds.

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/17/12/51/4026868_944x499.JPG
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/17/12/51/4026869_950x354.JPG
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/06/17/12/52/4026872_954x560.JPG

Is this what the busses will look like? I found this at:
http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Pages/Cityunveilsmultibillionrandpublictransportplan.aspx
http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv4/ben-ami/bus.jpg

I've seen that picture before and I think it's more of an artist's impression than anything else. The buses in the marketing videos look different and some other media I encountered again showed something different.

Interesting that it shows a bendy bus. I traveled on a few in London and they were fine. I was also surprised to see a type of bendy bus in CT the other day and it was apparently going to Durbanville.

I hope they add some colour to it.
ilan: those buses are just an idea, they have been around for some time, all we know is that the contract has been awarded to Mercedes and MAN to manufacture these buses.

I hope they add some colour to it.
ilan: those buses are just an idea, they have been around for some time, all we know is that the contract has been awarded to Mercedes and MAN to manufacture these buses.

Mercedez and MAN contracts were national governments buses not for Cape Town.

Mercedez and MAN contracts were national governments buses not for Cape Town.
yes but surely they will be in CT aswell.

yes but surely they will be in CT aswell.

Yes but not for the IRT system.

Wow. The IRT sketchup is looking posh.

Can't be believe, that "wild" taxi ranks :bash: would become past.
Must be first of its kind in the Country?!

Tenders for IRT vehicles close 21 July 2009

557N/2008/09 TRANSPORT, ROADS & STORMWATER 21 July 2009 Supply Of Public Transport Vehicles For 2010 Feeder Services (http://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/newcitytenders/Tenderer_Info.asp?id=2195) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 556N/2008/09 TRANSPORT, ROADS & STORMWATER 21 July 2009 Supply Of Public Transport Vehicles For 2010 Trunk Services (http://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/newcitytenders/Tenderer_Info.asp?id=2194)

Stadium Service.

The red blocks indicate the stadium IRT hubs,each with 2 to 4 stations and pedestrian access to the stadium, either via the forecourt or under the elevated circle.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/StadiumIRThubs.jpg

Are there more IRT hubs planned at GP Common?
Isn't there one for Urban Park in front of Virgin Avtive (Bowling Green/ Western Boulevard)?
Or is the "traders plaza" access point also for public, who just want to enjoy the park?

Are there more IRT hubs planned at GP Common?
Isn't there one for Urban Park in front of Virgin Avtive (Bowling Green/ Western Boulevard)?
Or is the "traders plaza" access point also for public, who just want to enjoy the park?

There are many access points. The GP common hub will either be near the traders area or closer to the Virgin Active but I think near the traders plaza is the site as its links to the main boulevard.

There are access points from beach road and from western boulevard, via the stadium or waterfront or IRT stations.

things still seem quite vague....
I hope this IRT system works well

things still seem quite vague....
I hope this IRT system works well

whats vague?

115 IRT buses cost: R325 million
Approved by National Treasury
18m buses for trunk routes
12m and 8m buses for feeder routes.


Snelbusse kan meer as R300 m. uit sak jaag


THEUNS VAN DER WESTHUIZEN


20/05/2009 10:42:47 PM - (SA)

Kaapstad. - Sowat 115 busse van meer as R300 miljoen is nodig vir die eerste fase van die geïntegreerde snelvervoerstelsel (GSV) wat in die stad ontwikkel word.

Dié fase (Fase 1A) sluit in ’n snelbusdiens tussen die middestad en die Kaapstadse Internasionale Lughawe, asook ’n GSV-hoofroete en voederroetes wat die middestad en die Weskus-gebied tot by Atlantis en Mamre moet verbind.

Tenders vir die koop van die eerste busse sal na verwagting binne die afsienbare toekoms gevra word nadat die stadsraad Dinsdag goedkeuring van die nasionale regering gekry het om dit te doen.

Me. Kylie Hatton, mediabestuurder van die Kaapse stadsraad, het by navraag gesê die busse sal na raming R325 miljoen kos, maar dit kan eers bevestig word wanneer ’n tender aanvaar word.

Die busse sal verskillende lengtes hê – van 18 m lange gelede busse vir hoofroetes tot busse van 12 m en 8 m vir voederroetes. Alles sal afhang van die vraag na openbare vervoer op ’n bepaalde roete.

Gevra of daar genoeg busse voor die voltooiing van Fase 1A in Maart aanstaande jaar bestel en afgelewer kan word, het Hatton gesê: “Die plan is tans om nuwe busse te kry om die Wêreldbeker-verpligtinge van die raad na te kom.”

Die sokkertoernooi vind van 11 Junie tot 11 Julie aanstaande jaar plaas en Kaapstad moet ’n openbare vervoerdiens verskaf wat drie hoofterminusse sal be*dien. Die terminusse word by die lughawe, in die middestad en by die Groenpunt-stadion gebou.

Hatton het bygevoeg dat die raad gereelde samesprekings voer met bus- en taxi-operateurs wat deur die ontwikkeling van Fase 1A geraak word, onder meer om hul betrokkenheid as operateurs in die stelsel te bespreek.

Onderhandelings is juis nou aan die gang om vas te stel hoeveel busbestuurders in Fase 1A nodig sal wees.

Volgens die raad se berekeninge sal tussen 300 en 400 bestuurders nodig wees, en sal tussen 800 en 900 heeltydse werkgeleenthede vir sekerheidswagte, skoonmakers en kassiere geskep word.

Die opleiding van dié werknemers, busbestuurders ingesluit, sal deel wees van die proses om ’n onderneming te stig wat die GSV moet bedryf en van die tenders wat gevra sal word.

Teken in op Die Burger (http://www.subs24.co.za/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10042)

BRT Progress Update (Tableview):

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6WrSJ4mVI/AAAAAAAACCk/oSn1I_lLk3c/s800/IMG_5335.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6Wt5rkNoI/AAAAAAAACCo/Rv8ndVObDSg/s800/IMG_5336.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6Wwl_Bs4I/AAAAAAAACCs/bL109LWYA24/s800/IMG_5339.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6WzqxiDxI/AAAAAAAACCw/MyzEoRMnOVk/s800/IMG_5342.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6W2wWO0-I/AAAAAAAACC0/6DfVg7MAJfg/s800/IMG_5344.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6W68VHDsI/AAAAAAAACC4/vcnCbuiqhfw/s800/IMG_5345.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6W-IeJA5I/AAAAAAAACDA/K96aChlEV0w/s800/IMG_5347.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_No8r2V6Gk24/Sj6XBxlPhTI/AAAAAAAACDE/itAJ3rECTc4/s800/IMG_5348.JPG

Was expecting a bit more progress, personally...

Yip. Thought there would be more in place.

They seems to be moving along the R27 from town side, and there is loads of progress, just further along these photos, progress is happening. They're busy with the rock cages in the centre lane.

Green light for Cape rapid transit system

30 June 2009, 12:06


By Clayton Barnes

The city of Cape Town is confident that its integrated rapid transit (IRT) system will be implemented from next May despite initial resistance from taxi operators.

Some taxi operators are still talking tough when it comes to the IRT system, but city media manager Kylie Hatton insists the city is in "constant communication" with the taxi industry and that talks are progressing well.

Hatton said on Monday that all IRT plans were going ahead unabated, and that talks with industry roleplayers were well advanced.

She said the city's primary focus now was to get services running on the "key routes", as agreed with Fifa.

"Bus services from the airport to the city, in and around the CBD and on other specialised routes will be ready in time for the World Cup," said Hatton.

But while only parts of phase 1A of the IRT would be ready for the soccer showpiece, the city was working around the clock to get the link from Atlantis to the city, along the R27, operational for the event too.

Hatton said talks between the city and the taxi industry about how the new system would be implemented were at an advanced stage.

"Talks have progressed very well and they have already gotten to the nitty-gritty parts of how the system will work on the ground," she said.

The IRT system, a cashless mode of transport, will run seven days a week from 4.30am to midnight.

Commuters will have to buy a travel smartcard on which they will have to load a travelling fee, similar to loading airtime on to a cellphone, before boarding the buses.

Commuters will swipe the smartcard when they enter and exit the system.

"This system will be very sophisticated, a world-class public transport system similar to what they have in London and the America," said Hatton.

Last week the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) called for full ownership of the IRT, if it was implemented.

The taxi alliance demanded "100 percent" ownership of the new public transport system, the security on its routes and trading outlets at IRT bus stations.

NTA general secretary Alpheus Mlalazi said the government should register the IRT in its name, giving the taxi industry "complete ownership" of the system and its full value chain.

Mlalazi said that if the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, which is part of the IRT, was implemented on the country's minibus taxi routes, it should be owned by the taxi industry.

"All the systems, the security, the trading outlets and kiosks at the new bus stations must be operated by us," he said.

Provincial NTA spokesperson Mvuyisi Mente, who has for months been calling for the IRT to be scrapped, said: "If the government implements this system without us, there will be chaos in the city."

In response, Hatton said the existing minibus taxi industry would play a significant role in the implementation of IRT in Cape Town.

"The city envisages the existing minibus taxi and bus industries playing a leading role in the new system, by forming companies that will be contracted to operate the IRT system's vehicles," she said.

"The city has met with the NTA on a number of occasions, in order that they can inform themselves of the proposed new IRT system and how the city envisages the existing public transport industry participating in the new system."

Previously the NTA refused to listen to presentations on the IRT, although it had now indicated that it might be prepared to consider the detail of the proposals, said Hatton.

"The City of Cape Town wants to offer public transport operators, on routes directly affected by the proposed IRT system, the opportunity to participate and share in the IRT," she said.



This article was originally published on page 4 of The Cape Argus (http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5059937) on June 30, 2009

Kassle Kerb System
A major step forward in
public transport access
and convenience.

The unique Kassel Kerb provides the ultimate solution for kerbing at low-floor vehicle stops. Kassel Kerb forms a seamless, gap-free join between low-floor vehicles and stops, providing faster and easier passenger access and more efficient and accessible transport services.
http://www.locallifedesign.co.uk/clients/essexgroundwork/essex_images/kessel07.jpg Providing optimum vertical/horizontal
gap differential, the Kassel Kerb also
improves passenger safety, especially
for the disabled and visually impaired.
Its unique design profile reduces
expensive wear and tear on vehicle
tyres, substantially cutting overheads
for bus and coach operators.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
(DDA) requires measures to be taken
to improve access for the visually
impaired and disabled.

Europe's number one bus stop kerb
Used in over 1200 cities and towns across the Continent, the Kassel
Kerb is Europe's number one bus stop kerb system:

http://www.locallifedesign.co.uk/clients/essexgroundwork/essex_images/kessel06.jpg


No-gap access for easier, safer
and more accessible transport
for all
Guides vehicle into optimal
stopping position to maximise
safety and service speed
Reduces tyre wear and damage
to cut maintenance costs
Proven long-term performance
Ideal for shared bus and low
floor tram stops



Designed For Peformance, Safety and Strength
http://www.locallifedesign.co.uk/clients/essexgroundwork/essex_images/kessel01.jpg The key to providing a universally
attractive public transport system
is the speed and efficiency with
which it operates.




The Kassel Kerb's durability andhttp://www.locallifedesign.co.uk/clients/essexgroundwork/essex_images/kessel03.jpg
low-maintenance design aids more
efficient and user-friendly public transport
Manufactured from high strength
concrete, using the finest aggregates,
the Kassel Kerb is extremely
hardwearing.

The smooth, concave contact face of
the Kassel Kerb replicates the profile
of vehicle tyres, self-steering thehttp://www.locallifedesign.co.uk/clients/essexgroundwork/essex_images/kessel04.jpg
vehicle into the optimal stopping
position whilst preventing its wheels
from climbing or damaging the kerb.

The boot shaped profile of the units
ensures that vehicle weight on the toe
always offsets tyre pressure on the
contact face to eliminate kerb
movement.

Granite Kassel Kerb Kassel Kerb Solar

For architecturally sensitive The Kassel Kerb Solar is used for
locations, the Kassel Kerb is the illumination of unlit bus stops
available in natural granite. -especially for the highlighting of
Produced to the same high access points for buses and coaches.
standards and offering all the
properties of its concrete http://www.locallifedesign.co.uk/clients/essexgroundwork/essex_images/kessel05.jpg
counterpart, including its non-slip
top surface and self-steering
profile, the granite version
suits traditional areas or locations
where a natural stone finish is
more in keeping than concrete.

http://www.locallifedesign.co.uk/clients/essexgroundwork/essex_images/kessel02.jpg

umm are you telling me that we are importing special kerb stones ? and the part that makes them special is the curved shape ?

Things so simple, they can be made here...

Things so simple, they can be made here...

There is a trademark issue.
Its only costing R1 million so no stress.

who would have thought. then again it's understandable. if you have a patent, use it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3690063182_0a9ef81d4c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamespix/)

There’s an interesting article about BRT in The New York Times today: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/world/americas/10degrees.html. Cape Town, Mexico City, Jakarta, and Ahmedabad are listed as cities with BRT being planned or built.

IMHO, the following raises a rather interesting point (own emphasis):
To be effective, a new international climate treaty that will be negotiated in Copenhagen in December must include “a policy response to the CO2 emissions from transport in the developing world,” the Bellagio conference statement concluded.

Bus rapid transit systems like Bogotá’s, called TransMilenio, might hold an answer. Now used for an average of 1.6 million trips each day, TransMilenio has allowed the city to remove 7,000 small private buses from its roads, reducing the use of bus fuel — and associated emissions — by more than 59 percent since it opened its first line in 2001, according to city officials.

Hmmm....

The transit corridor is diverted from Marine Drive at Milner Road where it replaces a disused train-track, and continues to the city centre through Paarden Eiland. In this photo you can see where the route goes beneath the N1 freeway.

This shot is south towards the suburb of Woodstock, behind where the old power-station was situated.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3717223215_8085b8f8dd.jpg?v=0

This shot is north towards the Paarden Eiland industrial area, behind where the old power-station was situated.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3718036638_90b9d95544_b.jpg

This shot is south towards the suburb of Woodstock.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/3717219987_c8eb01b0e8_b.jpg


This shot is north towards the suburb of Rugby and Milnerton.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3718033498_3596f96e57_b.jpg

At the edge of Metro Industrial Township and Paarden Eiland, at the cul de sac of President Kruger Street, a new bridge is being errected over Salt River to carry IRT traffic.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3718031072_d8aaa10b19_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3717214055_87381c4978_b.jpg

Source: warrenski (http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrenski/) at flickr.com

Is this still the proposed route:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Cape%20Town%202010%20Transport/MilnertonCity.jpg

?

Found this (http://www.arrivealive.co.za/pages.aspx?i=2874) when looking for an updated route map:

The Department of Transport has made it clear that the Bus Rapid Transit System [BRT] is crucial to the success of South Africa's transport system. Without a good bus service that is accessible, affordable and attractive to a broad range of people across society, local transport simply cannot work. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a mass road-based public transport system that mimics rail systems. A BRT system is a high quality, customer oriented transport system which will deliver fast, comfortable, and low cost urban mobility with a modern, efficient and comfortable service to public transport users.

Some interesting info, but mainly about BRT safety.

I hate Paarden Eisland :( Such a waste of space that could be used for purposes other than industry.

Dunno if this has been posted before:

http://www.hho.co.za/images/headlines-051208.GIF

Yes thats the route. There are some route maps a few pages back.

Dunno if this has been posted before:

http://www.hho.co.za/images/headlines-051208.GIF

yes it has. but thanks. The koeberg road portion was added I think due to to the public wanting a route on that road.

Full System


http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/05/15/06/46/3647802_917x1110.JPG

Route Map

Route Map

Hey Mo Rush, can you tell me how far the IRT system is. And what happenin with the taxis on the road, do they still wanne have WAR with the IRT system and what Ms Zilla gonna do about it?

Construction continues on schedule. The City/Province remains in negotiations with operators about the routes. At www.zoopy.com you will see one of the major taxi operator bosses in a video supporting the IRT.

BTW what do people think of the proposed running times (from what i understand,could be wrong, the system will run from 04.30 -00.00) in my opinion these times are on the minimalist side. Particularly i think that in order to encourage people who dont need to ride to work to use the service you need to offer the service late into the night, thereby encouraging the use of the service for going out so people become comfortable with the service. (just my 2c)

I agree with you there herb, It would be nice to be able to use this service after midnight too, especially on weekends
Which phase does the BRT include the Southern Suburbs? (at least the Main Rad)

I agree too, being able to use it in the early hours of the morning would be very very handy. I, for one, would much rather use the BRT when going out clubbing for the eve so that I don't have to drive home. And taxi prices are just insane.

I actually cant wait for BRT, and prices should not be too bad. Petrol prices are crazy, so BRT will help a lot. When will the system be up and running, or at least some of it?

I actually cant wait for BRT, and prices should not be too bad. Petrol prices are crazy, so BRT will help a lot. When will the system be up and running, or at least some of it?

Optimistically, the airport cbd link and inner city link by March 2010, more realistically end May 2010.

Atlantis Route unlikely to be fully complete by end May 2010.

And the Tableview link?

I was referring to that route. The route up the West Coast from the CBD

Oh right, thanks Mo.

Optimistically, the airport cbd link and inner city link by March 2010, more realistically end May 2010.

Atlantis Route unlikely to be fully complete by end May 2010.
So much for them giving the public enough time to get use to the system and to check that their are no faults before we host the WC. Which phase includes the Southern Suburbs or at least the main road? and when exactly do they plan on stating it?
Found this, would our buses look along these lines? If so, I hope they lose the Orange
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/onibusinbrasil-5/CARROS%20ZERO/REDENTORVIP2.jpg

Graphics indicating the phases are in this thread.
The aim is for March 2010 to have things operationally tested over the 2-3months pre world cup but timelines are tight. We have to be realistic, so the city will keep stating March 2010, which is achievable but May 2010 is more likely.

Audio Slideshow

Some good construction pics but most renders have been seen here.

http://www.news24.com/Content/AudioSlideshows/SouthAfrica/1204/708ee2943d5e494ba0209751c7a1e209/16-07-2009%2011-07/Cape_Towns_IRT_system

lol the back part of that bus looks like its an ex golden arrow bus ahah

I don't dig the colourful buses. Keep it simple. Silver or red or blue. Perhaps even different colour buses for each route. Perhaps a cool metallic silver for the airport link. A blue for the West Coast Link and other colours for the the other main routes.

lol the back part of that bus looks like its an ex golden arrow bus ahah
hahah All of it but the bottom front seems very Golden Arrow!

The colour is hideous. The bus looks like "the next model" up from our current buses.

I don't dig the colourful buses. Keep it simple. Silver or red or blue. Perhaps even different colour buses for each route. Perhaps a cool metallic silver for the airport link. A blue for the West Coast Link and other colours for the the other main routes.

They could probably develop on the colours that exist for metrorail. Red down to Simonstown, Green past monte vista... etc. The blue one goes towards the aiport iirc.


hahah All of it but the bottom front seems very Golden Arrow!

It's cos its "e-special"

hahaha not even an e-special! probably stuck the Mercedes sign on, soon our buses will even have the AMG sign too!
They should make them look like the Pretoria (ANC style) buses, except use the DA colours-take politics to another level. :)

hahaha not even an e-special! probably stuck the Mercedes sign on, soon our buses will even have the AMG sign too!
They should make them look like the Pretoria (ANC style) buses, except use the DA colours-take politics to another level. :)

Well the initial inner city buses were scrapped by the ANC many years ago because they were DP colours.

What a silly reason.

thats the ANC

I have a feeling they going to stick with the orange....

I have a feeling they going to stick with the orange....

We'll only know once the bus tender is complete.
They will put the bus type out to tender but will not specify the colours, perhaps only the general branding.

Lets hope Mercedez wins! nice shiny silver metallic buses would be awesome.

Station entrance from the stadium end

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Green%20Point%20Urban%20Park%20Development/UP_17_Jul_09_c.jpg

Techso will carry out the electronic fare system for the IRT system.

www.techso.co.za

I worry because they can't even update their website, and they are in charge of deliverying an electronic fare system.

The website also looks very oldish ... you know, like they did it in a rush or had it done by a student or a friend of a friend .... hmmm - I wonder?

Expect to see stations going up.

Tenders for major station superstructures awarded to Group Five.
R150 million!

Expect to see stations going up.

Tenders for major station superstructures awarded to Group Five.
R150 million!
Well its about time

with regards to the station entrance pic mo posted... where is the wheel chair access? coz all i see is very broad stairs...