The new Somerset West Public Transport Interchange (PTI) has been under construction for the past 30 months.
The construction has been a source of frustration for local communities, not just because of the inconvenience of it all, but the resultant effects the new holding site had on taxis, keeping roads open, pedestrian traffic and impacts on businesses.
With the completion of the project on the horizon, most business owners and commuters expressed joy that it’s finally over.
Staff of Fashion World are relieved the facility is finally opening after a tough two-and-a-half years. They are expecting foot traffic to return.
So too, staff of The Fish and Chip Co are thrilled and ready to welcome customers back, as are the owners of Franco Ceccato shoe shop, Gadget Zone and a butchery in the area.
Here’s what some had to say.
Zoliswa Mkhondo and Anati Cetywayo of Rage Shoes: “There were less people coming into the store, but now it seems access is easier and there’s more walkways for pedestrians. Hopefully this will be good for business. We are optimistic.”
Die vriendinne, ANDRONICHIA MOUREES en KAYLEN ADAMS van Macassar het hul tevredenheid met die opgeknapte openbarevervoer-middelpunt uitgespreek. Adams meen: “Die ontwikkeling maak dit nie net meer gerieflik om met inkopies in die middedorp te kom en gaan nie, maar die nuwe toevoeging helder die sakekern op en die toeganklikheid gee voetgangers ’n hernude lus om te wil loop.”
Die stalletjie-eienaar JUBEL STEVENS van Strand het sy dankbaarheid om sy brood en botter in ’n beter omgewing te kan verdien, uitgespreek. Hy hoop dat die toestroming van pendelaars meer voete na sy stalletjie sal bring en so ook ’n hupstootjie vir die koffers sal beteken.
