GO!DURBAN - AN INNOVATIVE MUNICIPAL UPGRADE

With South Africa’s Gautrain and other rapid transport systems that have successfully aided the tourism industry and provided a cheaper and more efficient mode of transport for local commuters, Durban can now look forward to the development of Go!Durban which is currently underway and already scooping up national accolades. Go!Durban is the future of Durban’s transportation and will ensure a safer, sustainable and more livable city. This municipal upgrade has the potential to shape the city into a globally recognized world-class destination, as well as boost the value of properties that are proximal to these stations. The dedicated bus lanes will create a better transport network within the bustling city and in turn improve the city itself. The potential for Durban to become a livable and sustainable city is becoming a closer reality.

Planning and Collaboration

Go!Durban is Durban’s very first integrated rapid transport network which is a major work in progress that involves professional urban planners and numerous other skilled and passionate work streams that are collaborating to ensure their goals are achieved within the designated period of time. Go!Durban has integrated departments and has been designed to utilise every aspect of the project to its full potential. Every phase has been strategically planned to generate world-class results. By the year 2030, it is believed that the city of Durban will be completely transformed with stations, roads, rail and bus lines interlinked to efficiently and conveniently connect different parts of the city. This system will revolutionise the city into one that is sustainable and technologically advanced. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is being implemented throughout Durban and on the buses and trains by safety management teams that have been appointed to the project. This surveillance footage will be directly linked to emergency services that will be able to monitor any transport related issues and threats and ensure that standby transport can be made available to passengers utilising the services. The Muvo card system, which is already in use, is an advanced fare management system that will be used to convenience and benefit Go!Durban commuters.

Benefit to the City

This new network of transportation will lessen the need for cars by creating a more eco-friendly and sustainable solution. Bus stations will be located throughout the city within walking distances of amenities, and trains will provide a more convenient option for long distance travelling. All of these stations will be supported by the non-motorized transport system, which consists of cycling lanes, and walkways that prevent road related accidents by providing pedestrians with designated paths. Additional uses for the stations’ spaces have been explored by the municipality to benefit the city’s infrastructure. Stations are being planned to become mixed-use developments that are built for added conveniences such as shops and businesses that will benefit commuters and create more job opportunities.

Latest Update

Go!Durban’s transport plan has four main phases that entail the development of corridors which are main roads or railways that connects two major suburbs. The bus/road corridors will include feeder routes that transport commuters from the main road to suburb stations as well as direct lines that transport people from the Go!Durban stations to residential and commercial districts. The transport network’s stations are currently being built along the first route running from Pinetown to Kwamashu. These stations will be what is known as “universal access compliant” – meaning ease of access is available to people with disabilities such as those with hearing or visual impairments, those bound to wheelchairs, as well as the elderly and people pushing babies in prams. The control access points will comprise turnstiles and a Glastile wide gate for those in wheelchairs or walking aids. The first prototype station structure situated at the intersection of Regent Street and Qashana Khuzwayo Road in New Germany was recently completed, and its universal access and fare gate facilities were tested with finishing touches being added to the interior. The initial stage that is expected to be completed this year is characterised by 4 corridors including rail.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) improves the quality of city life by saving time on travel, alleviating traffic congestion, reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) and local air pollutant emissions, as well as improving road safety. Durban is on its way to once again becoming one of the world’s most livable cities due to major municipal upgrades as such.