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 modes of transport – rail, bus and taxi – integrated 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 – as well as one rail corridor, 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 project started its roll-out in January, with several major milestones to be reached in the first quarter of 2014. Construction contracts to the value of R3-billion are expected to be awarded shortly. These contracts are for the C3 (Bridge City to Pinetown) corridor.

Tenders for construction on corridors C1 (Bridge City to the CBD) and C9 (Bridge City to Umhlanga) are scheduled to be advertised before the end of the financial year.

Tenders for an integrated fare management service and intelligent transport system have already been advertised and should be awarded by May. The start of construction and engagement with community stakeholders, businesses and the eThekwini citizens, as well as the launch of a mobile marketing bus, are key activities for the project in early 2014, according to the municipality.

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.