Cape Town - A travel demand strategy that recommends flexitime for office workers and the extension of the bus lane on the N2, are among interventions set be published for public comment in September, as the city looks for ways to ease congestion on the roads.
Mayoral committee member for transport Brett Herron said the city's congestion problems were affecting public transport and private car users alike. Herron is hoping that operational and behavioural interventions will complement infrastructure interventions.
The city will spend R750 million over the next five years to alleviate congestion on the city's roads – particularly focusing on the hotspots of Kommetjie, Kuils River and Blaauwberg where the peak period extends for three hours compared to two hours elsewhere in the city.
The council is now mulling the extension of the N2 bus lane inbound from the R300 and possibly introducing an outbound solution too.
In March mayor Patricia de Lille turned the sod for the R60million R300/Bottelary interchange in Kuils River to alleviate congestion on the two main arterial roads.
But Herron said: "The stark reality remains that cities cannot build away congestion and that building new motorways or freeways only provide short-term relief. Road users must share the responsibility in alleviating congestion by changing their travel patterns. Similarly, the private sector must assist with implementing flexi-time for their employees."
Transport for Cape Town is also looking at ways to increase cycling in the city. Due to financial constraints, half a million of the city's residents are only able to use non-motorised transport options such as cycling or walking. To this end the city is considering the establishment of a bicycle manufacturing plant and a bike-share system for the city.
Herron said the city was determined to make these options safer for those who used them.
Transport for Cape Town has also received four bids for the provision of tuk-tuk services with the intention of operating licences being issued by October.
The Argus
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our Newsletter