22.06.2016 Views

cities

SoCR16%20Main%20Report%20online

SoCR16%20Main%20Report%20online

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Reflections<br />

A significant achievement in Durban has been the successful implementation of integrated ticketing through<br />

its cashless MUVO smartcard, which has two separate functionalities: to load specific trips onto the card, or<br />

to load cash. The card is easy to manage and use on existing public transport. Each card is assigned a secret<br />

pin and can also be used at stores displaying the signage “Muvo accepted here”.<br />

At the start of the project, there were some complaints from businesses and landowners, despite the<br />

consultation process followed, which included public meetings, advertisements in the media and hand<br />

delivered notices to each affected property (SA Property News, 2014). A stakeholder engagement plan has<br />

been developed, as stakeholder engagement and change management are recognised as an important part of<br />

the project. During project implementation, disruptions (such as road closures) are communicated through<br />

community newspapers, radio, website and social media. In addition, a traffic management plan is in place and<br />

is controlled by a Traffic Management Centre.<br />

Looking forward<br />

The city will continue to rollout the Go!Durban project. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by 2018, with<br />

additional phases being implemented up to 2030, when the entire system is expected to be in place. By 2030,<br />

the intention is that 85% of all residents will have access to safe, affordable and quality scheduled public transport<br />

throughout the day, as the system will run between 16 and 24 hours daily. Passengers will only wait between<br />

5 and 10 minutes for a bus, during peak hours, and between 10 and 30 minutes during off-peak hours.<br />

Furthermore, all transportation will be equipped with full universal access to cater for passengers with special<br />

needs or wheelchairs.<br />

City of<br />

eThekwini<br />

Like other <strong>cities</strong>, eThekwini will have to grapple with issues such as:<br />

• Ensuring that the poorest areas are served by Go!Durban.<br />

• Extending the service to outer areas, when public transport is generally efficient only in concentrated<br />

(usually central) areas.<br />

• Achieving a balance between the economic rationale and the social imperatives to improve access to all.<br />

• Balancing short-term financial concerns against long-term sustainability issues.<br />

References<br />

Chetty R. 2013. Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network.<br />

Embarq. [n.d.]. Social, environmental and economic impacts of BRT systems: Bus Rapid Transit Case Studies from Around the World, http://www.<br />

wri<strong>cities</strong>.org/sites/default/files/Social-Environmental-Economic-Impacts-BRT-Bus-Rapid-Transit-EMBARQ.pdf<br />

SA Commercial Prop News. 2014. R22bn Go Durban project forges ahead despite complaints, 28 May. http://www.sacommercialpropnews.co.za/southafrica-provincial-news/kwazulu-natal-commercial-property/6808-r22bn-go-durban-project-forges-ahead-despite-complaints.html<br />

www.godurban.co.za<br />

www.muvo.co.za<br />

www.peoplemover.co.za<br />

City of eThekwini: Go!Durban 341

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!