The City of Cape Town has transformed an informal taxi rank opposite the Nomzamo Community Hall in Lwandle into a sustainable public transport facility with solar panels on the roof, washing facilities for minibus-taxis, kiosks for informal traders, and bathroom facilities for commuters.
Previously, minibus-taxis at the rank operated from a potholed asphalt surface with inadequate food and seating facilities, no bathrooms and very little shelter against the elements. The new rank seeks to accommodate the minibus-taxis in the most efficient manner, reducing the conflict of turning movements with the traffic on Michael Street. “Our main focus, however, was on the safety and comfort of pedestrians and as such the roadway along Michael Street which passes through the minibus-taxi precinct has been raised and paved with a grey interlocking concrete paver so that drivers are aware that they are entering a public transport area with a high number of pedestrians. “Furthermore, and in accordance with the City’s Universal Access Policy, the entire facility is wheelchair-friendly with dropped kerbs at the crossings and with kerbs at a raised height at the loading areas, making it easier for passengers in wheelchairs to get onto the taxis,’ says Councillor Herron.The makeover
Overhead canopies have been provided at the loading areas, as well as the pedestrian walkways, providing commuters with protection against the sun and rain. Low walls and bollards under the trees can be used for seating and there are a number of refuse bins to discourage littering. TCT has also constructed six kiosks for local traders and entrepreneurs wishing to cook and sell food. Each kiosk has been provided with water, wash basins, fat traps, and an extractor.The water and electricity costs will be recovered from the traders as each kiosk is also separately metered.
“We started with construction of the Nomzamo taxi rank in May last year and to date we have spent nearly R12 million.
