Ekurhuleni moves towards universal access in transport
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality recently hosted organisations that care for and work with people with disabilities, to share the transport vision of the city.
The metro is currently developing an integrated transport system, which will offer all commuters access to various modes of transport, to be operational in 2016.
More than 300 people with special needs attended the session to hear MMC for Roads and Transport Clr Thumbu Mahlangu described how the new Integrated Rapid Public Transport System (IRPTN) is designed to include features like ramps, bridges and lifts, signage for people in wheelchairs, audio buttons, tactile paving and special lettering to enable universal access to services.
“A city that can provide affordable services that are safe, easy to use and accessible to all its citizens is a city that is serving its people, and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s transport service is moving towards this goal,” said Mahlangu.
“We are proud that our transport system will be used by all people, including people with disabilities, the elderly, people who are physically and visually impaired and generally those who have special needs.”
The new public transport service, IRPTN, will integrate buses, trains and taxis to ensure that Ekurhuleni residents have access to all the public facilities within the city, including hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, places of work, shopping centres, transport hubs, the airport and parks.
Along with upgrading existing ranks and stations, the municipality is introducing a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, with dedicated road lanes and stations, to prioritise the needs of commuters.
“Ekurhuleni is developing its transport system to ensure that its infrastructure supports the long term growth of its people and businesses,” said Transport Planning and Provision HOD Yolisa Mashilwane.
“Access to integrated transport facilities that are safe, reliable, efficient and affordable will be one of the key factors that will boost our local economy.”
Ekurhuleni is committed to serving its residents and will continue to invest in infrastructure and facilities that, ultimately, support economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation.
The new system will be operational in 2016 and will span the length and breadth of the municipality, with an extensive network and complementary and feeder routes.
The network will be made up of five phases, with the first route running from Tembisa, via Kempton Park, OR Tambo International Airport and Boksburg, and ending in Vosloorus.
