Cutting edge transport facility in the heart of Jozi takes shape
23 October 2017
Work to transform the Kazerne Taxi Rank into the biggest and most commuter-friendly public transport facility for long distance travellers in Africa is continuing apace, with construction expected to be completed by July 2018.
The R400 million Johannesburg International Transport Interchange (JITI) has taken shape and, says Celestine Mouton, Development Manager at the Joburg Development Agency, is now 60% complete.
Once completed, the four-storey facility will usher in a new era for long distance travellers, with amenities to make departure and arrival a pleasant experience. It will boast modern amenities such as storage facilities, toilets, waiting areas and it will be secured and cleaned regularly. “Security will be managed from a control room equipped with a building management system, including cameras, control lights and access control,” says Mouton.
What sets the interchange apart is that it will provide a pleasant travelling experience as it caters for 20 cross border buses at a time and 158 interprovincial taxis. It will also accommodate a further 684 holding taxis
“With all long distance taxis now departing from one place, the Joburg International Transport Interchange will be a one-stop shop for all, offering comfort, convenience, security and luxury shopping, says MMC for Transport, MMC Nonhlanhla Makhuba.
The high quality inter-modal facility will boast 3000 square metres of retail space anchored by a well- known retail outlet and stalls. Informal traders will also be able to peddle their wares from the 163 stalls catering for the lower end of the market.
With Mastercard recently confirming Joburg as the biggest tourist destination on the continent, shoppers from all over the country and the continent will be treated like royalty as they arrive or depart from the JITI. Lisa Seftel, Executive Director of Transport in the City, says the new facility will mean that many of the illegal taxi ranks scattered all over town can be shut down thus creating cleaner, safer and less cluttered space along the sidewalks.
She adds that the new facility represents a major step towards realising the City’s vision for long distance and cross border commuters to be able to travel in safety and dignity and for operators to be supported so that they are able to offer affordable, quality services while making a decent living
She adds that the facility will make travelling safer and easier for visitors, shippers and workers from SADC countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland. Seftel adds that the facility will help to stimulate economic development in the inner city. “This will create economic opportunities for informal traders and small entrepreneurs within the facility.
Having a range of shop sizes helps facilitate economic progression and meets the varied demands of traders.”