The development of the Somerset West Public Transport Interchange (PTI) in the heart of Somerset West’s central business district (CBD) has advanced significantly in recent months, with substantial financial investments involved.
Offering an update on the present construction stage, Councillor Rob Quintas, who serves as the Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, reported that a majority of the work has been finalized, with only pending tasks including asphalt work, landscaping, building finishes, and mosaics.
The construction of this facility began in January of the previous year and is anticipated to bring about a significant transformation in the CBD, yielding various advantages for commuters, pedestrians, public transport operators, and traders.
Initial problems, such as congestion in the temporary holding area, raised concerns among residents (“Somerset West PTI development causes taxi chaos,” District Mail & Helderberg Gazette, November 2, 2022), but these have been subsequently resolved. Councillor Quintas acknowledged that there were some minor initial challenges with the setup but affirmed that there haven’t been any significant issues related to the holding area.
Updated Completion Date for Somerset West Public Transport Interchange
Councillor Quintas mentioned that adverse weather conditions led to some delays, resulting in a revised provisional completion date of March 22, 2024.
The construction of this facility started in January of the previous year and is projected to bring about a substantial transformation in the CBD, offering numerous advantages for commuters, pedestrians, public transport operators, and traders.
While there were initial concerns related to the temporary holding area and traffic congestion, as reported in “Somerset West PTI development causes taxi chaos” in the District Mail & Helderberg Gazette on November 2, 2022, these issues have since been resolved.
Councillor Quintas acknowledged that there were minor initial challenges when the area was initially established, but they have been effectively resolved, and no significant issues concerning the holding area are currently known.
He further mentioned that the facility was specifically designed to cater to the existing passenger demand, which stands at around 4,100 trips per day. This demand is expected to grow over time, particularly due to the ongoing improvements.
Quintas clarified that the upgrade also includes a restricted number of trading structures designated for use by informal traders.
Expanding on this topic and addressing concerns regarding a perceived preference for foreign nationals in informal trading spaces, Alderman James Vos, the Mayco member for Economic Growth, clarified that foreign nationals with proper documentation to reside and work in South Africa, including proof of identification and a valid work permit, are permitted to obtain trading permits and engage in trading within their designated areas.
He further explained that once the”trading plan is officially published and trading bays are integrated into the City map viewer and linked to internal systems, these trading bays will be open for advertisement.
Traders interested in these bays will be required to register on the City’s e-services platform to view the available and advertised trading bays.
Also read Somerset West’s public transport interchange planned in Cape Town
