In the early 1990s, the City of Cape Town implemented public transport lanes along Main Road between Mowbray and the CBD. These lanes have become largely ineffective over time, as a result of abuse by private motorists.
In 2011, the City of Cape Town, in conjunction with the Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works, investigated the requirements for the reintroduction of effectively policed public transport lanes in Main Road.
The investigation addressed the potential benefits of the lanes, road signs and marking upgrade requirements, the location of stops and the provision of shelters as well as the resources required to effectively enforce the use of these lanes only by public transport service providers.
The investigation revealed that approximately 70% of the inhabitants of Cape Town use public transport to access facilities and services and that, during peak hours, more than 30 000 commuters use the Main Road public transport route every day. This is compared to approximately 4 000 commuters who use private transport along the same route.
In the interests of effective traffic management, the benefits of a public transport lane include shorter journeys, reduced travel time, along with environmental benefits and reduced costs due to the easing of congestion.
The investigation showed a need to invest in more sustainable transport as an alternative to building more and more roads. Not only that, but the improved public transport system will also attract more car users to this mode of travel.
It was concluded that it is imperative that the flow of public transport vehicles should be given priority by means of well-enforced public transport lanes.
Presently, the City is designing the future expansion of the N2 Express MyCiTi bus service to the Metro South. The aim is for the existing N2 BMT lane and the Main Road public transport lanes to form part of a dedicated public transport lane network.
Supporting this initiative, the City is about to complete a comprehensive upgrade of the road markings and signage on Main Road, and has rationalised the positions of some stops.
Importantly, it is the City’s intention to establish a well-resourced Transport Law Enforcement Unit that will be dedicated to ensuring the appropriate use of public transport lanes, with a recruitment process planned to commence in July and a view to commencing operations in September 2012.
The Transport Enforcement Unit will initially focus its attention on Main Road, where the public transport lanes will be strictly policed and enforced during the hours of operation as well as on increasing the enforcement and policing of the ‘red’ MyCiTi lanes.
Over time, the operations will be expanded to cover existing public transport lanes in Klipfontein Road, Modderdam Road, Vanguard Drive and Lansdowne Road. Ultimately, the still-to-be constructed MyCiTi lanes in the Metro South East areas and other parts of the city will also be included.
Among the tools utilised to monitor movements of both private and public transport vehicles will be CCTV cameras, a network that will provide 24/7 monitoring of the public transport lanes through the Transport Management Centre (TMC).
This entire initiative is in line with the objective of the City of Cape Town to plan for the needs of the majority and to put “Public Transport, People and the Quality of Life First”.
“The City aims to improve the public transport system and services for the benefit of all citizens, both now and in the future. The enforcement of public transport priority lanes will aid the movement of public transport vehicles, making the entire system more efficient, more stream-lined and beneficial to the whole public,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater Cllr Brett Herron.
