Cape Town IRT System

Maintenance as you say is vital but this being operated/owned by Zille and Plato, so I'm more optimistic.

Me 2 the city has been doing very well in recent years and this bicycle lane thing is especially promising.

I hope the city does something to help promote interest in bicycle riding because there is a lot of potential not to mention the health aspect, so far the bicycle lanes I have seen around Canal Walk and in Rondebosch are hardly used. But I rate that the cycling routes on the main routes into and out of the city will be used because that's where people will find it more useful.

The only thing that will spoil it will be if taxi drivers throw thorns down on the cycle lanes. Will there be park and lockup facilities at the end points?

As for the IRT stations being in the middle island that I feel will become a major problem. It will cost extra but maybe they could build subways to the stations in the middle of the road, because that is going to cause problems with pedestrians interupting traffic flow especially when masses of people disembark.
 
Me 2 the city has been doing very well in recent years and this bicycle lane thing is especially promising.

I hope the city does something to help promote interest in bicycle riding because there is a lot of potential not to mention the health aspect, so far the bicycle lanes I have seen around Canal Walk and in Rondebosch are hardly used. But I rate that the cycling routes on the main routes into and out of the city will be used because that's where people will find it more useful.

The only thing that will spoil it will be if taxi drivers throw thorns down on the cycle lanes. Will there be park and lockup facilities at the end points?

As for the IRT stations being in the middle island that I feel will become a major problem. It will cost extra but maybe they could build subways to the stations in the middle of the road, because that is going to cause problems with pedestrians interupting traffic flow especially when masses of people disembark.

There is this media release, so I assume there will be some security for cyclists.

From what I know, in the case of Green Point Stadium, spectators embark on the middle island which links them directly to the stadium, under the elevated circle.

The Main Transport Hub on Hertzog seems to make use of the bridge from the Civic Centre across the boulevard. Not sure if one can access the stations directly from the podium bridge though.

Bicycle parking at 2010 stadium and around the City is part of the IRT system

Dedicated cycling lanes and bicycle parking areas around the city are an integral part of the City of Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system, the first phase of which will be operational in 2010.

Elias Tukushe, the City’s Head of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) plan, said: “Ample provision for bicycle parking has been made through the new IRT system and around the new Green Point Stadium.”

“There will be two parking areas for bicycles at the stadium, one near to McDonalds, and the other close to the Virgin Active Tennis Courts.”

Tukushe said parking for bicycles in the city centre, part of the first phase of the IRT, would also be available in main areas like Green Market Square and the Waterfront.

According to Tukushe, in the first phase of the IRT system, the provision for cyclists will include a dedicated lane from Table View to the city centre and to Green Point.

“Cyclists will have a safe lane all the way along the R27 on the West Coast to the city centre and around the city. There will also be safe dedicated cycling lanes on Somerset Road to the Green Point stadium.”

According to Tukushe, as the IRT system’s phases two, three and four are rolled out more provision for cyclists will be made around all of Cape Town. “Provision for NMT is a major factor in the IRT system, as well as separate projects in which tenders to address the NMT provisions in the Central, East, West and North areas of Cape Town are currently in the evaluation stage.”

“Once the entire system is completed, there will be dedicated cycling lanes all around Cape Town. Cyclists will be able to cycle from Mitchells Plain to the city centre or Brackenfell, almost anywhere,” he said.

“Initially we will concentrate on mobilising City-owned buildings to add bicycle parking and then as more people use the safer cycling options, private buildings and shopping centres will be encouraged to install bicycle parking.”

“We are considering other cycling orientated options, for example rent-a-bike,” said Tukushe, “where mini-stations will be dotted around main areas, such as the train station and the V&A Waterfront.” In this system the public will be able to rent bikes and drop them at their destination. For example, getting off the train at the station, one could rent a bicycle to the Waterfront and deposit it at a mini rent-a-bike station there. Then when you want to return, rent another bicycle from there to go to the city centre or station, and so on.

Kylie Hatton, IRT Spokesperson, said: “Cape Town’s IRT system aims to integrate all forms of transport in the city. We want to make it easier for people to move around Cape Town, through a convenient, safe and accessible public transport system. As part of this integrated focus we are making special provision for cyclists and pedestrians.”
 
Examples of bridges being used in other cities to access the system.

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I love the idea of the IRT, but am a bit confused as to what it's going to be like when it's full blown.

Based on the following map:

picture.php


How does one get from the Southern Suburbs (Wynberg or Ottery) to the CBD or Canal Walk for example.

The rountes cross over each other, but there are no "stations" on the way which allow you to change - and that's by virtue of what I can see on this map.

Sorry I couldn't find a larger pic to post here.

My question basically boils down to:
Will we only be able to change over at the designated hubs featured on this map?
If so, I think it's going to be a nightmare :erm:
 
I love the idea of the IRT, but am a bit confused as to what it's going to be like when it's full blown.

Based on the following map:

picture.php


How does one get from the Southern Suburbs (Wynberg or Ottery) to the CBD or Canal Walk for example.

The rountes cross over each other, but there are no "stations" on the way which allow you to change - and that's by virtue of what I can see on this map.

Sorry I couldn't find a larger pic to post here.

My question basically boils down to:
Will we only be able to change over at the designated hubs featured on this map?
If so, I think it's going to be a nightmare :erm:

No I don't think so. Some services overlap so some stations will be connected to various of the "colour coded" routes.
So one station may form part of the Airport city link but also a link to the northern suburbs.

The system is also not a stand alone system, so links to existing rail stations and other modes of transport is where the "Integrated" term becomes important.

That said, I'm not 100% on the system after Phase 1
 
Grrr images are blocked here at the office, but I get the idea of what you're saying.

But I'd prefer if it could be totally remodelled along the lines of what London for instance has to offer.

Intergration I can understand is needed so that the taxi operators don't throw a fit.

Kind of throws you out when you're looking at using a reliable, new mode of transport after a late night out :p

I for one don't like public transport, but am quite keen to see and try out this upcoming system.
 
Grrr images are blocked here at the office, but I get the idea of what you're saying.

But I'd prefer if it could be totally remodelled along the lines of what London for instance has to offer.

Intergration I can understand is needed so that the taxi operators don't throw a fit.

Kind of throws you out when you're looking at using a reliable, new mode of transport after a late night out :p

I for one don't like public transport, but am quite keen to see and try out this upcoming system.

Integration is not for taxis. The IRT system acknowledges that our rail system is the backbone of public transport system and therefore should not compete with, but complement it.

Please elaborate on the specific examples in London you are referring to.
 
Well the fact that you can get around to most parts anytime night or day.
Trains and busses run so smoothly, throughout the country - not just London.

It's going to be a cold day in hell before I get on a train in Cape Town again.

Trains may well be the backbone, but it's not the most desirable.
 
Well the fact that you can get around to most parts anytime night or day.
Trains and busses run so smoothly, throughout the country - not just London.

It's going to be a cold day in hell before I get on a train in Cape Town again.

Trains may well be the backbone, but it's not the most desirable.

Certain routes are fine, other routes horrific. Hundreds of UCT students from fish hoek,simons town and surrounds use the southern suburbs route to Rondebosch. There is also the new business express which is quite decent from what I hear.

The problem with our trains and train system is Metrorail.
 
Certain routes are fine, other routes horrific. Hundreds of UCT students from fish hoek,simons town and surrounds use the southern suburbs route to Rondebosch. There is also the new business express which is quite decent from what I hear.

The problem with our trains and train system is Metrorail.

I hear you on that one.
Same problem faced in that arena as in Telecoms.
A monopoly which has raped and pillaged our nation.

Certain routes, is not enough anymore.
All of them have to be at an acceptable level.

I had not been on a train in years till I got to London in Feb of this year.
And was pleasantly suprised as it was my first visit.
Clean, cheap, secure and on time.

This is what we need.
I mean bleddy hell - no security on the trains on the UK, but what you will find is a pleasant gentleman or two clearing the trash cans.
 
Replanting of Trees key part of Green Point Stadium IRT Station construction


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In order to construct the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) station serving the Green Point Stadium it is necessary to remove ten Eucalyptus trees that form part of a grove of about 14 trees.

Cllr Elizabeth Thompson Mayoral Committee member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater said “the City will plant approximately three times more trees than had to be removed, as part of landscaping around the new IRT Stadium Station”.

The trees marked for removal are located in the median (middle section) of Western Boulevard, just to the west of the pedestrian crossing at Portswood Road.

The City’s IRT engineers tried everything possible to prevent the removal of the trees, as the City believes the trees are an essential part of Green Point and add character to the area.

The new station will be located in the median of the road between Portswood Road and the new elevated Green Point Circle, which is currently being constructed. Many of the newly planted trees will be 12m high, mature trees.

“As part of the preparations the City has engaged with representatives of the Green Point Rate Payer Association, as well as the City’s Parks Department, Spatial Planning and Urban Design department and the Ward Councillor and Sub-Council Chairperson for the area, Cllr JP Smith”, said Cllr Thompson

In order to give residents and users of the IRT system a clear understanding a very recent photo of the construction site at Green Point, with the trees to be removed circled, as well as a rendering of what the station, with the landscaping will look like is attached to this release.
 
115 IRT buses cost: R325 million
Approved by National Treasury
18m buses for trunk routes
12m and 8m buses for feeder routes.


Snelbusse kan meer as R300 m. uit sak jaag


THEUNS VAN DER WESTHUIZEN


20/05/2009 10:42:47 PM - (SA)

Kaapstad. - Sowat 115 busse van meer as R300 miljoen is nodig vir die eerste fase van die geïntegreerde snelvervoerstelsel (GSV) wat in die stad ontwikkel word.

Dié fase (Fase 1A) sluit in ’n snelbusdiens tussen die middestad en die Kaapstadse Internasionale Lughawe, asook ’n GSV-hoofroete en voederroetes wat die middestad en die Weskus-gebied tot by Atlantis en Mamre moet verbind.

Tenders vir die koop van die eerste busse sal na verwagting binne die afsienbare toekoms gevra word nadat die stadsraad Dinsdag goedkeuring van die nasionale regering gekry het om dit te doen.

Me. Kylie Hatton, mediabestuurder van die Kaapse stadsraad, het by navraag gesê die busse sal na raming R325 miljoen kos, maar dit kan eers bevestig word wanneer ’n tender aanvaar word.

Die busse sal verskillende lengtes hê – van 18 m lange gelede busse vir hoofroetes tot busse van 12 m en 8 m vir voederroetes. Alles sal afhang van die vraag na openbare vervoer op ’n bepaalde roete.

Gevra of daar genoeg busse voor die voltooiing van Fase 1A in Maart aanstaande jaar bestel en afgelewer kan word, het Hatton gesê: “Die plan is tans om nuwe busse te kry om die Wêreldbeker-verpligtinge van die raad na te kom.”

Die sokkertoernooi vind van 11 Junie tot 11 Julie aanstaande jaar plaas en Kaapstad moet ’n openbare vervoerdiens verskaf wat drie hoofterminusse sal be*dien. Die terminusse word by die lughawe, in die middestad en by die Groenpunt-stadion gebou.

Hatton het bygevoeg dat die raad gereelde samesprekings voer met bus- en taxi-operateurs wat deur die ontwikkeling van Fase 1A geraak word, onder meer om hul betrokkenheid as operateurs in die stelsel te bespreek.

Onderhandelings is juis nou aan die gang om vas te stel hoeveel busbestuurders in Fase 1A nodig sal wees.

Volgens die raad se berekeninge sal tussen 300 en 400 bestuurders nodig wees, en sal tussen 800 en 900 heeltydse werkgeleenthede vir sekerheidswagte, skoonmakers en kassiere geskep word.

Die opleiding van dié werknemers, busbestuurders ingesluit, sal deel wees van die proses om ’n onderneming te stig wat die GSV moet bedryf en van die tenders wat gevra sal word.

Teken in op Die Burger
 
Expect to see stations going up.

Tenders for major station superstructures awarded to Group Five.
R150 million!
 
Techso will carry out the electronic fare system for the IRT system.

www.techso.co.za

I worry because they can't even update their website, and they are in charge of deliverying an electronic fare system.
 
Station entrance from the stadium end. Arrive at station from CBD, walk through this entrance under elevated circle to stadium without dodging cars. Route will be covered.

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