A pedestrian-and-bus-only bridge, seven bus stops and new Rea Vaya routes will soon help about 10 000 commuters enter the Sandton business district.
City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, said from 18 September, the new R674 million Sandton transport loop would be functional.
“This upgrade will not only mean that traffic congestion will decline within the Sandton precinct but access to one of the city’s largest economic hubs will be improved for residents in Alexandra and the rest of the city,” he said.
The MMC for Transport, Nonhlanhla Makhuba and Gauteng MEC for Transport, Ismail Vadi, the media, some members of the public and taxi association representatives were given a tour of the new loop.
Mashaba said the revitalisation of road space through infrastructural investment in Sandton was critical to the economic growth of the city, and partnerships with Gautrain, Putco, Metrobus and minibus taxis were essential to improve public transport, reduce travelling times and making it more convenient to travel.
The route the loop will take will be along Rivonia Road, Fredman Drive and 5th Street. Along the route there will be bus shelters with information for passengers detailing the various bus routes. This extension through Louis Botha Avenue from Hillbrow will form part of Rea Vaya’s expansion into Alexandra, Sandton and Midrand.
Mashaba said 17 additional Rea Vaya stations, a public transport interchange next to Pan Africa in Alexandra and upgraded roads and sidewalks were in the pipeline.
The numbers of commuters who are travelling to Sandton from different parts of the city such as Alexandra, Soweto, Orange Farm, Ivory Park and Diesploot has increased by 3.4 per cent yearly and it is likely to continue to increase by more than 4 per cent per annum, Mashaba added.
“Through these infrastructure upgrades, we are improving our residents’ access to economic opportunities and a better life for themselves and their loved ones.”
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