The Urban Mobility Directorate in Cape Town has announced plans for a new bus facility in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. This is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance public transportation options, with a focus on improving connectivity throughout the metro-south east region.
Public Engagement and Information Day
The City of Cape Town is hosting an information day on June 6, 2023, to provide more details about the upcoming facility. City officials will be present to answer questions, and residents are invited to share their opinions on the project through a public comment period that runs until June 23, 2023.
Strategic and Convenient Location
The new bus facility will be situated near the Chris Hani rail station and a future minibus-taxi facility, making it easy for commuters to switch between different modes of transportation. The location at the corner of Walter Sisulu Road and Ngwamza Street has been carefully chosen to maximize efficiency and convenience.
Features and Benefits of the Facility
The building will be constructed with robust materials and equipped with solar panels to generate clean energy, ensuring that the facility remains operational even during power outages. The Makhaza bus facility will be the new hub for MyCiTi Route 11, which will connect commuters from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha to Claremont and Wynberg.
The facility will include drop-and-go embayments for minibus-taxis along Walter Sisulu Road. Loading areas will be sheltered, and the facility will be equipped with modern amenities such as public restrooms and universally accessible walking lanes with dropped kerbs.
Sustainable and Innovative Approach
The City of Cape Town is taking an innovative approach to address power outages by installing solar panels on the facility. This will allow the facility to generate its own electricity, ensuring that its lighting and other essential functions remain operational even during load-shedding.
Importance of Public Input
Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, emphasizes the importance of public input in shaping the future of urban transportation. The upcoming information day on June 6, 2023, offers an excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about the Makhaza bus facility and submit their comments.
With the unveiling of this new bus facility, the City of Cape Town takes a significant step towards creating a more interconnected and accessible urban environment for its residents. By investing in public transportation infrastructure, the Makhaza bus facility stands as a shining example of innovation and sustainability in urban mobility.
