Public transport boost in Sandton

BETTER ACCESS TO ECONOMIC HUB

AR674 million Sandton public transport loop has been officially launched by Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba to allow easy access into the city’s largest economic hub.

According to Mashaba, the transport loop will also abate traffic congestion in the Sandton precinct.

“For over two years, the city has been active in and around Sandton to improve sidewalks, building two new bridges over the M1 to improve connectivity between Alexandra and Sandton, paving the way for the introduction of Rea Vaya services, as well as constructing a dedicated public transport loop around the Sandton CBD.

“The revitalisation of road space through infrastructural investment in Sandton is critical to the economic growth of the city,” his office said in a statement.

The dedicated public transport lane will be operational in partnership with the Gautrain, Putco buses, Metrobus and minibus taxis, and will improve access for public transport and reduce travelling times. The dedicated public transport lane, called the Sandton Public Transport Loop, is along Rivonia Road, Fredman Drive and 5th Street and includes stops and shelters with information for passengers as to which bus stops where.

“It will start operations on September 18 and in the initial period, will be seeking public feedback on whether it is meeting its intended objective,” the statement said.

“The launch of the Sandton Public Transport Loop, a bridge over the M1 at Lees Street and other road infrastructure projects are all part of the Sandton Transport Master Plan that is being implemented in partnership with Sandton Central Management District.”

It also forms part of the introduction of the next phase of Rea Vaya to Alexandra, Sandton and Midrand through Louis Botha Avenue from Hillbrow and improved public transport facilities in the area that include 17 additional new Rea Vaya stations, a public transport interchange in Alexandra and upgrading of surrounding roads, sidewalks and intersections.

“Since the inception of the road infrastructure projects, the City of Joburg has spent approximately R226 million in the Sandton/ Alexandra area and created over 149 jobs.

“The number of commuters travelling to Sandton from different parts of Johannesburg, including areas like Alexandra, Soweto, Orange Farm, Ivory Park, Diesploot and others, has increased by 3.4% per annum and is likely to continue to increase by more than 4% per annum.

“Through these infrastructure upgrades, we are improving our residents’ access to economic opportunities and a better life for themselves and their loved ones.” –

It’s part of the Sandton Transport Master Plan