Name and Location
GO!Durban project, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Client
eThekwini municipality.

Project Description
The project aims to provide a fully integrated rapid public transport network for the people of eThekwini.

The roll-out of the 190 km transport system is based on a comprehensive plan, which outlines a network of nine trunk corridors, supported by feeder and complementary services covering the whole city, with different integrated modes of transport – rail, bus and taxi – to provide seamless, efficient and affordable service.

Phase 1, which will include 62 km of road construction, 45 new and improved bus stations, as well as two terminal stations at Bridge City and Bram Fischer, will comprise three bus rapid transit routes – C1 Bridge City to Durban’s central business district (CBD), C3 Bridge City to Pinetown and C9 Bridge City to Umhlanga corridor. It will also comprise the C2 Bridge City and KwaMashu through Berea road to Umlazi and Isipingo. This network will accommodate about 25% of the municipality’s transport demand on the C1, C3 and C9 routes, with an additional 40% being accommodated on the C2 rail route as part of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s implementation plans.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Phase 1 is expected to be completed by 2018.

Latest Developments
The GO!Durban public transport initiative is in consultation with stakeholders in the taxi industry, News24Wire has reported.

Talks with the industry have been ongoing since a memorandum of understanding was signed in February 2014.

"These negotiations are constant and we are working with advisors within the industry to ensure that what we do is done correctly and that we all benefit from this project. We consider the taxi industry to be one of our major stakeholders," the eThekwini deputy head of public transport operations Mlungisi Wosiyana has said.

"We are not going to leave anybody out. Remember this system is integrated – this means working with everyone."

Wosiyana has explained that various modes of transport will remain in operation: "We will still have minibus taxis and buses. There will be dedicated lanes for buses and we will also have our rail services.”

He has also indicated that “ . . . all within this public transport system maintain jobs. We will be undertaking a skills audit to ensure taxi operators for example, could advance to code 10 or 14 driver’s licences so they could also drive buses”.

eThekwini municipal manager Sbu Sithole has also attempted to allay fears of a taxi industry revolt, saying the negotiations have not been easy.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
eThekwini municipality, tel +27 31 311 1111.