Sandiso Phaliso
The old third-class station deck in the CBD, next to the taxi rank, has been transformed into a modern space that includes shops.
The Parade Concourse has modern speed gates, an electronic communication system and shops, and ATMs have been built for the benefit of commuters. The Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) spent R126 million on the upgrade.
An estimated 393 jobs were created during the 18-month construction period and it is estimated that more than 200 permanent jobs will be created by the commercial tenants on the Parade Concourse.
Prasa regional manager Lindelo Matya said the disabled-friendly concourse, which is adjacent to the station deck taxi rank, is expected to make travelling a more enjoyable and easier experience..
He said the construction phase of the Parade Concourse project started in October 2013.
“We are justifiably proud of the new and expanded Parade Concourse,” said Matya.
Commuters have welcomed the additional facility, saying it will help with their shopping.
“This area of the station has been like a ghost as drug addicts and homeless people used it to their advantage. Now it’s good-looking,” said Nokuphiwo Mlingwa.
Vincent Daniels, 59, who is blind, said he is very nostalgic about the station. He used it for the first time in the 1980s when it was classified only for black and coloured people.
“The station brings a lot of memories from the past. I am glad that the station is disabled-friendly to accommodate people like me,” said Daniels.
Metrorail Western Cape regional manager Richard Walker said the facility was yet another tangible example of Prasa’s modernisation drive.
“Planning has largely given way to delivery and it is exciting to see modernisation come to life,” said Walker.
The concourse was originally built in 1966, serving as the non-white station of Cape Town. In 1994, the station received a R4 million upgrade from the City.
Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said the main focus was to do away with the apartheid legacy of dividing the station along colour lines and enable a more vibrant precinct.
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