The Mfuleni Public Transport Interchange (PTI) in the City of Cape Town has been operating beyond its capacity, resulting in a less-than-optimal experience for the thousands of people who use it daily. To improve the situation, the City of Cape Town has proposed upgrades to the PTI that have been welcomed by commuters and operators alike.
Upgrades and Benefits
The proposed upgrades to the Mfuleni PTI include increasing loading aisles with a bypass lane, constructing a roof structure to cover the loading area, and providing new ablution facilities. In addition, the holding area will be formalized and expanded, and a new administration building will be constructed with a staircase and viewing platform for increased surveillance and monitoring.
The upgrades will also see the formalization and expansion of the holding area and the rank’s capacity. The City of Cape Town has also proposed upgrading the Mfuleni Main Street to improve traffic flow around the interchange. This includes increasing the size of the roundabout to reduce congestion at the exit of the taxi rank and upgrading the Main Street and Church Street intersection to minimize congestion and queues along Main Street towards the east. Formal pedestrian crossings will also be added.
Public Engagement
The City of Cape Town has invited residents and interested parties to comment on the proposed plans until May 31, 2023. An information session has also been scheduled for May 4, 2023, at the Chris Hani Hall in Ulunthu Street in Mfuleni from 15:00 to 18:00. City officials will be available to explain the proposed design for the Mfuleni PTI.
Encouraging Participation
Councillor Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, has encouraged all commuters and operators from Mfuleni to attend the information day. “This facility is for the Mfuleni community, so we would like residents to provide their input before the end of the month for the City’s consideration. We intend to add more capacity with the new design, and in so doing, we will cater to the increase in the demand for mini-bus taxi services in the area,” he said.
Positive Impact
The proposed upgrades to the Mfuleni PTI have been well received by the community, who look forward to a more efficient and organized operation. The improvements will not only benefit commuters and operators but will also positively impact the surrounding area, reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
