The City of Ekurhuleni envisions to complete construction of Phase 1 of its integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) in March next year, which it believes will unlock the city’s economic potential.

With construction of the network under way, the City of Ekurhuleni roads and transport head of department Yolisa Mashilwane gave an update on the IRPTN during a business session in Boksburg, Gauteng, last month to business leaders, where she indicated that the network was a key economic development programme for the city.

“Cities are changing rapidly and public transport is taking centre stage in this new direction. “Transporting residents to and from work and to centres of commercial activity is one of the best ways of enhancing growth for any city,” she explained.

She added that traffic congestion currently posed a threat, as it stifled economic growth, with the best way to improve traffic flow therefore being to create an efficient, affordable, reliable and safe public transport system.

Driving towards completion of Phase I, the City of Ekurhuleni is improving existing road infrastructure and is ensuring that all public transport modes are connected and operate seamlessly. This will ensure that people can commute to and around the city securely and with ease.

Also, with the linking of various modes of transport, including the construction of bus stations and nonmotorised transport infrastructure, all controlled by a central hub, the IRPTN will increase accessibility and provide better mobility.

Productivity “The IRPTN will also benefit business by enhanc- ing productivity in the workplace, as workers will have access to reliable and efficient public transport with guaranteed travel times. Moreover, there will be subcontracting opportunities for local businesses and, by extension, job opportunities for local workers,” Mashilwane mentioned.