SkyscraperCity Forum banner

Cape Town - Public Transport

211K views 1K replies 90 participants last post by  Caisson Boy 
#1 ·
The good..the bad...and the ugly.

TRAINS/RAIL













 
See less See more
13
#315 ·
Geared for rail renewal
Article By:
Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:13

The predicted increased usage of rail based transport in South Africa, fuelled by surging fuel costs and increasing congestion on major roads will increase the popularity of properties with good access to the rail networks amongst tenants and buyers alike.

Cape Town is poised to follow international trends set in cities like London where the underground forms the backbone of the public transport??????? infrastructure allowing properties in close proximity to stations to command rental and price premiums.

Extremely close to Salt River station

Recently launched Salt River Junction, which is due for completion in November 2009, is in extremely close proximity to Salt River station, promising to take advantage of the massive Cape Town Development Strategy initiative currently taking place in the area.

According to property developer Edward Black of Urbode, the development was conceived with the vision of complimenting the trend towards increased infrastructural developments in the area, especially The Department of Transport’s recently announced substantial investment into the recapitalisation of South Africa’s commuter train fleet. The replacement of the local Metrorail carriages will take place ahead of the 2010 World Cup and improved security and ticketing systems at stations can be expected at the same time.

The Salt River and Woodstock suburbs are undergoing massive regeneration with the emergence of various high value developments, including the R1-billion Black River Park office park, The Lion Match Factory and the Old Biscuit Mill. The restoration of a myriad of different Victorian buildings and rehabilitation of the local park are transforming the suburb into an urban conservation area.

“In keeping within the realm of these fast growing trends in the area, the Salt River Junction development will form a valuable investment for buyers with an anticipated return of eight percent. With the unit prices being 20 to 30 percent less than other developments recently sold out in the area, our competitive pricing strategy positions Salt River Junction perfectly in making the units affordable for first time buyers who now cannot afford to purchase property in the city centre whilst still desiring a central location. The redevelopment initiatives are ultimately extending the inner city environment to other peripheral areas of Cape Town, making it exceptionally attractive and viable to this market,” says Louise Maranz from Vered Estates.

Salt River Junction is almost equidistant from the city centre, Claremont CBD and Century City

Located on the border of Salt River and Observatory, Salt River Junction is almost equidistant from the City Centre, Claremont CBD and Century City with excellent access to all main roads and public transport nodes.

“With an industrial modern contemporary flair and neutral colour palate embodying the interior of the units, occupants have the choice and flexibility to furnish their individual apartments according to their preferred colour schemes, where we have essentially provided them with a blank canvas to work with. From the investment buyers' perspective, the power floated concrete floors will make the interior attractive and extremely durable, making this ideal for the inhabitance of the rental market at a low maintenance level for the property owner,” says Maranz.

Maranz adds that the spatial design alongside other elements of the development will be ergonomically engineered so as to economise the use of energy needed to heat the surrounding interior space and provide natural light to common areas. In an attempt to safeguard against energy wastage, instant hot water heaters that have proven to be 15 to 30 percent more energy efficient than geysers will be installed.

With breath-taking views of Devils Peak, Tygerberg Hills and parts of Table Bay from the building, the two entertainment decks located on the third floor will be perfectly positioned for the enjoyment of these spectacular views. Security is now of paramount importance to residents and Salt River Junction will offer a sophisticated bio-metric access control system and 24 hour guarding. Secure basement parking will also be available for the majority of the units.

The development comprises 100 units made up of studio (30m²), one bedroom (45m²) and two bedroom (60m²) apartments. Unit prices start from R379 500.
 
#320 ·
Was thinking the following this morning as I was boarding the train - I travel on the Southern Suburbs line:

This morning's train was one of Capmet's blue-and-silver units, which consists of 8 coaches - 4 Metro, and 4 Metro Plus. Now, I haven't yet seen a unit consisting of 11 coaches, like the trains configured on the Central - and Northern lines. Is it at all possibel to configure the silver-and-blue units into a 11-coach units OR would Metrorail have to increase the number of trains if they were to start using it on the Northern- and Central lines?

Just a thought; could somebody maybe shed some light on the matter?
 
#324 ·
Cape Town Station upgrade tops R400m!!!!

Thumbs up for Canal Walk Station and revamps for Athlone, Philippe,Heideveld and Langa while the two new stations

-Progress at two new stations in Khayelitsha continues

By Babalo Ndenze

Cape Town can expect to get five newly revamped railway stations at a cost of about R600 million in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.

The stations will be completed before the World Cup starts, according to Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott.

Cape Town station is receiving a R418m upgrade. Athlone station will be upgraded at a cost of R5m, Langa for R38m, Heideveld for R18m, Windermere for R45m and Philippi for R75m.

"These stations will be built to support venues for matches, training and fan parks during 2010. Construction is to start (this year), except for Cape Town Station which is already under way," said Scott.

The City of Cape Town is planning three fan parks at Philippi, Bellville and Athlone - with a major viewing site on the Grand Parade alongside the new station extension.

The South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC), which operates Metrorail, also has plans for a R1.4 billion rail link between Cape Town International Airport and the city centre.

The plan was unveiled last week.

The SARCC has already completed a feasibility study and is now looking for a partner in the private sector.

There is a plan for the airport rail link, which will see 4km elevated and a line extension linked to the existing Bellville-Sarepta railway line near Lavistown station. The preferred rail route lies mainly between Modderdam and Borcherd's Quarry roads before entering the airport precinct.

A station would have to be built at the airport, and a second might be built along Modderdam Road.

The train is expected to stop at Mutual station in Pinelands, which would facilitate the transfer to and from other key rail corridors in the region.

The SARCC said its plan was in line with the Airports Company of SA's master plan.

The upgrade of Cape Town station would also include facilities for the airport service.

The new link would improve access to the airport, reduce road congestion, lessen parking congestion at the airport, and lower vehicle emissions levels, among other benefits.

The SARCC study showed that the airport was the second busiest in South Africa, with passenger numbers of more than eight million a year.
 
#325 · (Edited)
Langa Station R38m



DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT

The overall design concept for the upgrade of Langa Station is aimed at providing a concourse station
development that would serve as a positive focus within this area, formalise and strengthen the existing activity, improve pedestrian movement and to act as a catalyst for a high-density, mixed-use node as outlined in the Langa Spatial Development Framework, 1999 (see Figures 2 and 3). The design also focuses on the four objectives for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, namely operational effectiveness, information management, safety & security and aesthetics.

The existing station buildings present the opportunity to create a positive, active edge and stimulating a vibrant station forecourt, considered an important public place. The forecourt would accommodate a drop-off area for busses and minibus taxis, a trading environment for informal traders and a defined edge and entrance to the adjacent cemetery. In the same way, it is proposed that the forecourt on the northern side would provide an important public place and access point to the station.

The proposed upgrade would comprise the following (see Figures 4 to 6):
• Concourse building incorporating foyer, ticket sales, administration, toilet facilities, staff facilities,
cleaning and refuse room and electrical equipment room;
• Pedestrian bridge;
• Ramp and stairs serving the bridge;
• Renovation of existing platform shelters and seating;
• Demolition of some existing structures and improvements to existing station building;
• Sealing off of existing subway;
• Hard and soft landscaping to station forecourts; and
• Parking and cash-in-transit and refuse yards.

Together with a proposed shopping centre development on the southern side, and the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on the northern side, it is considered that the station development would present the opportunity to stimulate mixed-use development within the precinct, providing much needed facilities and a safer environment.

Sketch Concept


Current Aerial View



Plans




 
#326 · (Edited)
Windermere Station R45m



The station project dates back to pre 1997 and was part of the Olympic Park project for Cape Town's 2004 bid. The success of the Century City project at that time was not known. This is a graphic from the bid plan, with Century City to the north.



________________________________________________________________________

Cape Town's fastest growing property development complex, Century City, could have a rail service with a brand new station, ahead of the 2010 World Cup, to attract more public transport users to the facility.

The R45-million project will also see other road networks in the area being upgraded to make it more accessible to commuting. Just over one kilometre from Century City, the Windemere Station development will be situated between Acacia Park and Kentemade stations on the Monte Vista line.

A footbridge will also be built to link the station and Canal Walk, which attracts about 20 million visitors a year.

 
#327 · (Edited)
Phillipi Station R75m

An estimated 8,000 commuters use the station every day. The proposed renovation of the station, at an estimated cost of R75 million, forms part of a wider plan to rejuvenate the Philippi area – and it follows a series of meetings between the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, Metrorail and the Philippi Development Forum.

Current plan:
- Main Concourse with 8 staircases leading to platforms
- Two lifts for disabled people
- Administrative Arena
- Fencing and urban space upgrades
- Security and Surveillance from 3.30am to 12 midnight every day. Currently adjacent to a police station
- Improved lighting

Current State (yikes!)




 
#417 ·
Phillipi Station R75m

An estimated 8,000 commuters use the station every day. The proposed renovation of the station, at an estimated cost of R75 million, forms part of a wider plan to rejuvenate the Philippi area – and it follows a series of meetings between the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, Metrorail and the Philippi Development Forum.

Current plan:
- Main Concourse with 8 staircases leading to platforms
- Two lifts for disabled people
- Administrative Arena
- Fencing and urban space upgrades
- Security and Surveillance from 3.30am to 12 midnight every day. Currently adjacent to a police station
- Improved lighting

Current State

 
#331 ·
Airport shuttle set for tenders
Staff Reporter
26 June, 2008
Cape Argus

The provincial Transport Department will next week invite tenders for its envisaged Airport Shuttle Service aimed at improving the province's transport facilities ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
 
#332 ·
Its all happening!!
The Airport will be served by the BRT system, the airport shuttle service,bus and taxi services along the public transport lane and a rail link by 2011.

Airport shuttle set for tenders for 2010

By Staff Reporter

The Western Cape provincial transport department will next week invite tenders for its envisaged Airport Shuttle Service aimed at improving the province's transport facilities ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Speaking at a media briefing session on Wednesday, department head Thami Manyathi said the department's plans for a successful World Cup were on target.

"The rail connection has been promoted and pushed and we are moving ahead to establish a road-based service. As part of this we will look at inviting tenders for the Airport Shuttle Service where we will encourage interaction from the metred taxis," Manyathi said.

The shuttle service would transport visitors from Cape Town International Airport to Cape Town's CBD, the Claremont/Wynberg/Costantia, Stellenbosch/Kuilsriver and Dubanville/ Bellville/UWC areas.

Manyathi said talks had also been under way between Golden Arrow Bus Services and taxi operators to facilitate better transport using those two modes.

Other projects making progress include:

# The first part of the tender for the Philippi Stadium has been advertised, which will see the stadium upgraded.

# The rehabilitation of the eastbound lane of the N2 between Vanguard Drive and Borchard's Quarry and the doubling of the airport bridge size

# The upgrade and doubling of the N2 between Somerset West and Sir Lowry's Pass.

Manyathi said vehicles had also been identified for the rapid bus transport system, as well as a drivers' village where drivers would stay for the duration of the event.
 
#336 ·
City workers trade in cars for public transport

Fuel price sparks move to trains
By JADE WITTEN and ALEXANDER BAND

Staff Reporters

More and more middle-class citizens, hit hard by soaring fuel costs and escalating interest rates, are ditching their cars in favour of public transport to get to work.

A Cape Argus investigation found train station parking lots across the city all occupied - some by luxury vehicles - an indication that an increasing number of people are using trains to travel to work.

Commuters interviewed by the Cape Argus confirmed that they were cutting back on costs by trading in the comfort and convenience of their cars for the cheaper option of public transport.

Rudy Loftus, a pharmacist in the City Bowl, started using the train from Rondebosch to work four months ago as it was cheaper than filling up his car.

"It costs me just under R200 a month to take the train to work, whereas it cost me well over R1 000 a month when I travelled by car, so it makes sense from an economic point of view," he said.

Sonja Hector, who travels from Kuils River to her work in Stellenbosch, said: "This is my only option. I would pay R2 000 a month by car but with the train it's R130 for a first-class ticket. And it's 20 minutes by train opposed to being stuck in traffic for 45 minutes."

Viwe Mokweni echoed the sentiment, saying he opted to travel by train to where he works in Cape Town, to cut down on transport costs.

The trend comes ahead of a predicted petrol price increase of 73c a litre next week, which will push the cost of a litre to more than R10. This represents a 30% increase in the fuel price this year.

T-Sec Group economist Mike Schüssler said the trend towards public transport was no surprise, considering the harsh economic conditions faced by all income groups. In addition, middle- to high-income groups were the ones who owned cars, had debt and took out loans.

"I have also noticed that more and more people are driving together in lift clubs," he said.

Cape Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive director Albert Schuitmaker confirmed the trend.

He had noticed the highways leading to Cape Town were much quieter during the peak hour.

"There is clearly a reduction in the number of cars on the road, putting pressure on public transport and authorities to step up and provide transport of a higher quality for commuters," he said.

At Kenilworth station yesterday, graphic designer Zainab Nordien said she had stopped driving to work eight months ago and now travelled by train to her office in the city.

"I think it is less expensive to go by train because petrol costs so much these days and I can save money by using my car less."

Hazel Poniappen, who has been parking her car at Kuils River station for 20 years, said she had noticed an increase in the number of vehicles parked there.

Babalo Mokawu, of Highbury Park in Kuils River, said travelling by train was more convenient. "With the car I have to wake up early, sit in traffic and budget for petrol."

During their visit to railway stations yesterday, the Cape Argus team found that by 6am parking bays were almost all full and latecomers were forced to park on pavements.

Metrorail spokeswoman Riana Scott said that based on observation, station managers and ticket sellers had "certainly" noticed an increase in passenger numbers.

Golden Arrow Bus Services' spokesman Vuyisile Mdoda said there had been an increase in the number of passengers travelling by bus. "Golden Arrow now carries over 250 000 passengers in a working week and is under pressure to meet growing demand," he said.
 
#337 ·
Smartcard ticketing system ready

Staff Writer
July 04 2008 at 09:33AM

After concluding extensive tests of the smartcard in a minibus taxi, the Western Cape department of transport and public works says it is ready to install its ticketing system in a Golden Arrow bus on the Simon's Town-Ocean View route.

Sipho Afrika, a senior manager in the department's transport branch, said the department was finalising the analysis of the technical data collected during months of field and backroom testing of the smartcard system on a minibus taxi.

According to Afrika, the department is reasonably satisfied with the results.

"We have had some challenges during our tests on the minibus taxi. We are now at the phase where, in about a month, the smartcard system will be installed and tested on a Golden Arrow bus," he said.






The smartcard is to be used to "preload" bus fares for bus routes. Commuters and passengers are to swipe their cards when boarding a bus instead of paying the fare with cash or producing a clip card.

"All systems are in place for the bus tests. We trained and (employed) 20 ambassadors during the initial field tests.

"Commuters in the Simon's Town-Ocean View area appear to be sceptical about our new fare system. Even minibus taxis saw our pilot vehicle as a threat. In future they will drive our public information campaigns as well as be an integral part of the tests conducted on the bus."

According to the head of department, Thami Manyathi, the system to be tested in Simon's Town would eventually be implemented in key transport projects such as the George mobility strategy.
 
#338 ·
Airport shuttle planned for CBD, southern and northern suburbs



By Babalo Ndenze

Cape Town could soon have a shuttle service from the airport travelling along four routes to areas such as the city centre, Bellville, Kuils River and Constantia.

The Department of Transport and Public Works has put out a tender for the proposed shuttle service.

The proposal came about after a survey conducted in November last year showed that the demand for a service from the airport was high.

The survey found that 59% of air passengers indicated a willingness to use public transport.

In an advertisement published in the Cape Times yesterday, the department said the proposed service is to be operated on a scheduled timetable along predetermined routes.

"Seven possible routes were initially identified. Not all seven routes are deemed to be commercially viable at the commencement of the service contract," it said.

The first route is the Cape Town route which is believed to be the most important, "attracting as much as 48% of the demand for public transport services to and from the airport".

This route will end at the V&A Waterfront with two stops in the city, one at Cape Town station and another at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The second route, which attracts about 16% of the total public transport demand, will serve a number of destinations with Constantia Village Shopping Centre acting as a remote terminus.

"Stops are presently planned for the Vineyard Hotel, the Newlands Hotel and UCT's Baxter Road terminus."

The third route, with an 11% share of the demand for public transport, is to the airport through Kuils River, with stops at the new shopping centre on the corner of Stellenbosch arterial and Van Riebeeck Road and the newly completed airport shopping centre.

The fourth route links the Tyger Valley shopping centre, the University of the Western Cape and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's Bellville campus with the airport.

"It is important to note that the proposed public transport service is not designed with the requirements of the 2010 Fifa World cup as a specific factor. Rather, the service is designed to accommodate the daily need of airport users."

The shuttle service is not the only public transport project planned for the airport.

Plans for a R1.4-billion rail link between the airport and the centre of the city were unveiled by the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) last month.

The SARCC, which runs Metrorail, has worked out the route of the 4km Cape Town rail link.

The preferred rail route lies mainly between Modderdam and Borcherds Quarry roads before entering the airport precinct. A station would have to be built at the airport and a second may be built along Modderdam Road.

# babalo.ndenze@inl.co.za

Published on the web by Cape Times on July 24, 2008. © Cape Times 2008. All rights reserved.
 
#341 ·
The gautrain is a subway in Johannesburg you can check out the renders in that section. There are plans to move the large railtrack area at cpt station underground but this is still invisaged. Subways arent realy ideal for SA cities because it takes to long to develop and costs to much money compared to a brt system that offers around the same amount of comfort. I myself dont like subways very much because you cant see out of the dark tunnel and thats depressing.
 
#343 · (Edited)
From Cape Argus

City, province fight about airport shuttle
28 July 2008, 11:20

By Natasha Joseph

Cape Town and provincial transport authorities are set to butt heads about a proposal to introduce a shuttle service from the airport to areas such as Bellville, Kuils River, Constantia and the city centre.

The City of Cape Town says the service, planned by the provincial department of transport and public works and put out to tender last week, could jeopardise a project that was part of Cape Town's responsibilities as a 2010 World Cup host city.

Mayoral committee member for transport, roads and stormwater, Elizabeth Thompson, said in a statement issued late on Friday that the provincial department had failed to comply with legislative processes that called for "substantial consultation and co-operation between spheres of government".

"Province knows full well that the city, whose responsibility is as a planning authority, is going through the same process," Thompson said.

"The city has given the province and national government written indication that it is following the required processes that will lead to the implementation of substantial and comprehensive public transport that is safe, reliable and dignified.

"The (provincial department's) suggested routes in the metro affect those that the city is considering under its integrated rapid transit planning, for which (the national department of transport) has made R836-million available to the city."

Thompson said in the statement that an airport link and inner city public transport service were "a definite requirement" of Fifa for the 2010 World Cup and were part of the world soccer body's contract with Cape Town as a host city.

"The city is contractually bound to deliver the (shuttle) service and has put substantial resources into implementation to meet the requirements," Thompson said.

She told the Cape Times on Sunday that the provincial department was "fully aware" of the city's planned shuttle project.

"I am disappointed that the province has gone that route (and advertised its own planned shuttle service)," Thompson said.

Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for Transport MEC Marius Fransman, said city representatives had been present at meetings about the province's planned shuttle service.

"These official meetings have been followed by email communication," Ntabazalila said.

"The last communication was on July 15, where the representatives of the City of Cape Town commented on the tender document for this same project she is accusing us of not consulting on.

"Instead of hammering each other on who is responsible for what and trying to take the shine, we should be working hard to ensure that we provide the best infrastructure for the 2010 World Cup.

"Let's take the politics out of public transport and concentrate on the work that has to be done."

"WTF!!? Why is the damn provincial administration always trying to do their best rendition of F$ckZille? They just keep screwing it up for everyone. I hope after the Rasool-fiasco, the ANC loose the Western Cape, their constant political grandstanding, infighting and undermining of the City of Cape Town is making me hate them!"
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top