The City of Johannesburg unveiled its new-look commuter shelters on William Nicol drive, in Randburg, and Vincent Tshabalala drive, in Alexandra, earlier this month.
The shelters are part of the city’s plans to integrate public transport to make walking, cycling and public transport the mode of choice by 2040.
City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Councillor Rehana Moosajee says the shelters are meant for commuters using all modes of transport.
The shelters were designed by Johannesburg-based designer Brian Steinhobel and are universally accessible, providing seating, lighting and passenger information.
The prototype design was subjected to an extensive public-participation process in the public transport hubs. It received approval from commuters and the final product incorporates the commuters’ inputs, says Moosajee.
The design requirements included that it be durable enough to last 20 years, that it was vandalism- and theft-proof, that it provided shelter from the elements and that it is a dignified and comfortable place for commuters to rest.
The shelters are made of a fibreglass composite material, with woven cloth inside. They are biodegradable and have zero trade-in value and each shelter comprises one complete mould, which cannot be taken apart.
Further, the shelters are equipped with light-emitting diode lights and about 200 (of the total 1 400) will be powered by photovoltaic power, not only for lighting but also for advertisements, which will help fund the shelters.
“The design is an orchestration of multi- faceted elements that are tied together to suit the South African commuter,” says Steinhobel.