The construction of the new public transport interchange (PTI) in Somerset West is well underway with 34% of the project works complete. The City is spending approximately R65 million on this project, the biggest investment in the central business district of Somerset West in recent years. Earlier today Councillor Rob Quintas, the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, accompanied the Portfolio Committee Members for Urban Mobility on a site visit to observe the progress to date.
The new PTI is being constructed on two different sites in the Somerset West CBD, one behind the Town Hall and another on the Shoprite side. Together, it will be approximately 4 000m² in size to accommodate minibus-taxi operators, bus services, informal traders, and thousands of commuters.
An estimated 1 000 commuters and about 300 minibus-taxis will use the new PTI which will serve 12 destinations: Lwandle, Macassar, Firgrove, Strand, Nomzamo, Sir Lowry’s Pass Town, Zola, Khayelitsha, Stellenbosch, Somerset West and surroundings, and Grabouw. The Golden Arrow Bus Service will also operate from the facility.
‘One of the commitments in our Integrated Development Plan for this term of office is to improve public transport infrastructure and operations so that more commuters can have access to safer, convenient, reliable and quality transport services. The City’s investment of R65 million in the new PTI for Somerset West confirms our resolve to improve urban mobility in Cape Town. It is a real pleasure to come and view the progress while we are celebrating Transport Month,’ said Councillor Quintas.
The construction commenced in January 2022 and once complete, the new facility will transform the CBD area with multiple benefits for commuters, pedestrians, public transport operators and traders.
To date, the contractor has installed the underground services needed for the facility, such as a water main, and stormwater infrastructure. The canopies or roofs are complete, and the ablution and refuse buildings are now at roof height.
‘The construction area is a beehive of activity. I am satisfied with the progress and we were told next to be done is the cladding, the completion of the ablution and refuse buildings, and the resurfacing of a section of Andries Pretorius Street,’ said Councillor Quintas.
If all goes as planned, it will take about two years to complete.
‘I want to use this opportunity to also thank the operators, traders, commuters, adjacent businesses and residents for their patience and ongoing support. The construction is done in phases to limit the inconvenience, but unfortunately, during this time all of those frequenting the area are impacted. I want to assure you we are doing all we can to complete this project on time,’ said Councillor Quintas.