MyCiTi improvements for Claremont

MyCiTi station, road improvements for Claremont

A MyCiTi station, facilities for other bus services, and upgrades to Stanhope Road and Claremont Boulevard are proposed for Claremont. The investment in this precinct forms part of the expansion of the MyCiTi footprint to Claremont, Wynberg, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. The concept design for the facilities and road upgrades were available for comment between 10 October and 10 November 2022.

Artist’s impressions of the new MyCiTi bus station and other proposed upgrades to the existing bus terminus along Claremont Boulevard

The proposed upgrades and expansion of the existing bus terminus along Claremont Boulevard will revitalise this precinct with worldclass public transport facilities. The new MyCiTi station will be in the heart of Claremont, within walking distance of student accommodation, shopping malls and other amenities, and literally a block away from Main Road – the main artery connecting this area with the Cape Town CBD. I encourage residents to please take a look at what we propose for this precinct, and to submit comments and proposals,” said Councillor Rob Quintas, MMC for Urban Mobility, City of Cape Town, regarding the period for public commentary. The existing bus terminus along Claremont Boulevard, between Hawthorne Road and Newry Street, will be upgraded and expanded to include a new MyCiTi bus station within walking distance from the Claremont railway station and the minibus-taxi facility in Ralph Street.

“Once the upgrade has been completed and the new MyCiTi station is operational, commuters will have a choice of five different modes of public transport – MyCiTi, GABS, UCT Shuttle, passenger rail, and minibus-taxis – within a radius of less than 120 m.

“This will revolutionise the way commuters travel to and from Claremont, as they will have quick and easy access to different modes of transport with seamless transfers between their mode of choice. The MyCiTi station will serve destinations in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain via the planned trunk route that is to connect the metro south-east with Wynberg and Claremont,” said Cllr Quintas.

New facility Proposals for new bus facility along Claremont Boulevard: • The MyCiTi station will comprise four enclosed platforms. • The MyCiTi station precinct will include a ticket office, 10 electronic access gates, lock-up facilities for bicycles and ticket vending machines. • All facilities and walkways will be universally accessible. • The concept design includes an overhead concrete slab or deck

that could accommodate a multistorey building above the MyCiTi station for a future mixed-use development in line with the City’s transit-oriented development strategic framework. • A small bus holding facility will be located under the Stadium-on-Main for a maximum of five off-peak buses and driver shift changes. • Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) buses will operate from a dedicated bus lane along Central Street, as is currently the case. • The UCT Shuttle Service will still operate from Central Street, at the Ground Floor entrance of the Stadium-on-Main. • The planned upgrade includes the planting of trees and other landscaping, which will benefit the surrounding area and pedestrian experience. “We are bringing the MyCiTi service to Claremont as part of our commitment to giving more Capetonians access to safe, affordable, dignified and reliable public transport. Apart from adding to our public transport offering, the surrounding area will also benefit from this investment in the existing infrastructure and roads in the immediate vicinity,” said Councillor Quintas.

Given that the upgraded bus facility will be located on land of high development value, the proposed concept design of the new MyCiTi station accommodates the possibility of overhead development in future.

“Mixed-use developments add to the vibrancy and efficiency of public transport precincts, and we are excited that the transit-oriented development principles are included in this proposal,” said Councillor Quintas.

Proposed changes to surrounding roads: • Claremont Boulevard will be upgraded with the addition of dedicated bus lanes to and from the bus facility. • Stanhope Bridge will be realigned to ease access from Imam Haron Road, and will include dedicated bus lanes. • Palmyra Road will be realigned into a

T-junction with Imam Haron Road. If all goes as planned, construction will commence in August 2024, after the conclusion of the public participation process and detailed design. The construction is set to take about 24 months.

10 reasons to use Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus service

The City of Cape Town believes these are the top reasons to make use of its MyCiTi BRT service:

1A safer journey: Security staff at stations, CCTV cameras monitored by a control centre, closed stations and lighting at bus stops are all measures that help make MyCiTi safer.

2Reliable: More than 90% of MyCiTi buses are on time, with schedules that help you plan your journey and live information updates so you can track your bus.

3Accessible: MyCiTi is for everyone, with universal access features like tactile paving, level boarding, special places for wheelchair users and priority seats in all buses. You can also bring prams, bicycles, skateboards and luggage.

4Affordable: MyCiTi offers comfort and convenience, with prices that compare well to other public transport services. Save on the cost of petrol and parking – and the fare system means you only pay for the distance you travel.

5Convenient: With a myconnect card, you don’t have to have cash for your fare. Load travel money for the month and just climb aboard. There’s an easy-to-use website and app to help plan your journey and friendly people at the 24/7 Transport Information Centre to assist you (toll free).

6Network effect: The MyCiTi service is designed so you can transfer from one route to another – and only pay one fare. It offers easy access to other public transport connections and a network of cycle paths for quick commuting and leisurely scenic rides.

7Reduce your daily stress: Strike dealing with traffic and finding parking from your daily commute. Relax on the bus or get a head start on your emails or connect with family and friends. The red lanes on busy roads will also get you there faster, with time to grab a coffee when you get there.

8Be kinder to the environment: Choose to limit your personal impact on the earth when you catch MyCiTi rather than take a private car. It helps cut congestion and reduce overall vehicle emissions.

9Choose a healthier lifestyle: Live a longer, healthier life by upping your activity levels. A brisk 15-minute walk to and from a MyCiTi bus stop will increase the number of steps you take towards that 10 000 daily goal. 10 Make a day of it: MyCiTi provides easy access to so many places to visit and things to do. Get out and about (from early morning to late evening) with your children, family and friends – and make memories that last a lifetime. www.myciti.org.za

FAW Trucks SA celebrates 29 years of servicing South African customers

This year sees FAW Trucks celebrate 29 years in South Africa. During this time, the brand has become a fixture in the South African commercial vehicle industry.

FAW Trucks prides itself on offering a robust line-up of vehicles that represents an excellent value-for-money proposition with derivatives in the extra-heavy, heavy, medium and light commercial market segments. FAW vehicles have been utilised to build schools, hospitals and are depended on to transport critical goods on a daily basis. As a result, they have crept into the hearts of South Africans.

Investing in SA Since its local introduction, FAW Trucks has always been committed to South Africa and its people. This was backed up by a decision in 2012 to invest locally and open a manufacturing plant in Coega, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

At the time, this investment was one of the largest by a Chinese company in South Africa. The plant – which was built at a cost of R600 million – covers 30 000 m2 and features a state-of-theart training facility, a body shop and a paint shop. In 2014, the first vehicle rolled off that assembly line and they have never looked back.

The FAW Trucks manufacturing facility is a substantial employer in the Eastern Cape, providing extensive employment opportunities to residents of the local Gqeberha community, both in its own facility as well as within those of local suppliers on which it relies.

The FAW Trucks manufacturing facility has gone from strength to strength – earlier this year, the 8 000th locally assembled vehicle rolled of the Coega assembly line. FAW Trucks has enjoyed remarkable growth due to its reputation for offering quality products that are able to cater to the unique usage requirements of South African commercial vehicle buyers. A big advantage is its ability to easily refine that offering thanks to the presence of a local manufacturing facility. FAW has let its products speak for themselves and the result is a brand that regularly outperforms its major competitors on the sales charts.

Ensuring value In a market that is facing enormous pressure from external factors such as rising interest rates, fuel prices and global supply chain constraints, FAW Trucks continues – and will continue – to offer local buyers a range of vehicles with the durability and longevity to make it in the tough South African working environment, while also being affordable in terms of both purchase price and total cost of ownership. By achieving those targets, the FAW Trucks product offering continues to represent excellent value for money.

After sales is critically important when it comes to customer satisfaction and retention. In 2018, FAW Trucks received the Most Improved Award in the commercial vehicle category of the NADA Dealer Satisfaction Survey and the brand has continued to rank highly in subsequent surveys, with a silver award at the most recent announcement. This survey rates the relationship between manufacturers and dealers, which is critical for the growth and longevity of a brand.