After two years of construction and road disruptions, the City of Joburg has completed its R647 million transformation of the streets of Sandton with the launch of its public transport loop.

The upgrade, which was launched by Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba on Tuesday, is expected to ease traffic congestion in the financial capital making it more accessible, walkable and business friendly.

The dedicated public transport lane, known as the Sandton Public Transport Loop, will run along Rivonia Road, Fredman Drive and 5th Street and includes stops and shelters with information for passengers as to which bus stops where.

In addition to the public transport loop the city has invested in the construction of cycle lanes, improved sidewalks and two new bridges over the M1 to improve connectivity between Alexandra and Sandton.

Even more to come

Mashaba said the projects all form part of the Sandton Transport Master Plan that is being implemented in partnership with Sandton Central Management District (SCMD).

“It is also forms part of the introduction of the next phase of Rea Vaya to Alexandra, Sandton and Midrand through Louis Botha Avenue from Hillbrow and improved public transport facilities in the area,” he added.

Elaine Jack, who is SCMD’s City Improvement District Manager for Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate, said the city’s investment in Sandton Central’s improved streets reinforces its position as Africa’s centre of ideas, trade, and culture.

Jack added: “Excellent public transport and walkability are essential for the country’s vibrant and bustling economic hub to function optimally. The improvement to our streets is significant and meaningful. It benefits the people who use them, the communities they connect, and the addresses they provide for business. And, there is even more to come.”

The Public Transport Loop will start operations on 18th September 2017 and the City will use the initial phase to seek public comment to determine whether it is meeting its intended objective.