Construction of the new public transport interchange (PTI) in Somerset West is well underway with about 34% of the project complete.
A budget of R65 million has been set aside for the project by the City of Cape Town – the biggest investment in the central business district of Somerset West in recent years.
During a site visit conducted last week, Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, and council’s Urban Mobility Portfolio Committee members observed the progress of project.
The PTI is being constructed on two different sites in the Somerset West CBD, one behind the Somerset West Town Hall and another on side of the Vineyward Shopping Centre. Together, it will be about 4 000 m² in size to accommodate minibus-taxi operators, bus services, informal traders and thousands of commuters.
An estimated 1 000 commuters and about 300 minibus-taxis will use the facility, which will serve 12 destinations: Lwandle, Macassar, Firgrove, Strand, Nomzamo, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Zola, Khayelitsha, Stellenbosch, Somerset West and Grabouw. Golden Arrow Bus Service will also operate to and from the facility.
“One of the commitments in our Integrated Development Plan for this term of office is to improve public transport infrastructure and operations so more commuters can access safer, convenient, reliable and quality transport services,” said Quintas.
“The City’s investment of R65 million in the new PTI for Somerset West confirms our resolve to improve urban mobility in Cape Town. It is a real pleasure to come and view the progress while we are celebrating Transport Month (October).”
Construction of the facility commenced in January and is expected to be complete in th enext two years. The new facility is expected to transform the CBD with multiple benefits for commuters, pedestrians, public transport operators and traders.
To date, the contractor has installed the underground services for the facility, such as a water main and stormwater infrastructure. The canopies or roofs are complete, and the ablution and refuse buildings are at roof height.
“The construction area is a beehive of activity,” said Quintas. “I am satisfied with the progress and we were told the cladding is be done next, along with the completion of the ablution and refuse buildings, and the resurfacing of a section of Andries Pretorius Street.”
“I want to use this opportunity to also thank the operators, traders, commuters, adjacent businesses and residents for their patience and ongoing support,” Quintas said.
“The construction is done in phases to limit the inconvenience to residents and visitors. Unfortunately, during this time all of those frequenting the area are impacted. I want to assure everyone we are doing all we can to complete this project on time.”
