The City of Cape Town says public transport infrastructure and maintenance of the city’s road network remain the top spending priorities for the Transport Directorate for the next financial year.
In a statement, the City said the Transport Directorate’s budget for the new financial year, which came into effect on Tuesday, July 1, amounts to R7.5 billion, with R2.2 billion budgeted for capital projects and R5.3 billion for operations.
This budget was approved last week during a full council sitting.
The City said its main focus is the roll-out of Phase 2A of the illustrious MyCiTi bus service operating to Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Claremont, and Wynberg.
The City spent up to R7.1 billion over seven years to provide commuters from 30 communities with a bus service that is affordable, safe, and reliable.
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said the city’s investment will greatly assist with urban regeneration of the areas where the routes and stations will be constructed.
“The routes will connect about 30 communities along the way and will significantly improve access to opportunities and amenities.
“It is estimated that through the construction of the infrastructure alone, such as new roads, stations, and stops, up to 7 206 job opportunities will be created over the seven years,” Plato said.
The new road infrastructure will also assist to alleviate traffic congestion in areas where the MyCiTi service is operating.
Other major capital projects planned for the new financial year are:
- Infrastructure related to public transport interchanges for buses and minibus-taxis – R163 million
- Rehabilitation of roads across Cape Town – R140 million
- Facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and the improvement of universal access – R88 million
- Projects to relieve traffic congestion – R87 million
- Reconstruction of roads – R23 million
The operating budget constitutes 71% of the directorate’s overall budget for the year, with priorities being:
- Maintenance of stormwater and road infrastructure, public transport interchanges and traffic signals – R793 million
- Security at public transport interchanges – R101 million
- The MyCiTi bus service – R573 million
- The Dial-A-Ride service for commuters with special needs – R28 million
“We are all aware of the impact of Covid-19 on South Africa’s economy and the city is concerned about further budget cuts by the National Treasury as a result.
“Regular ongoing road maintenance is crucial to prolong the longevity of the network so that people and goods can reach their destinations and assist with building our local economy.
“I want to assure residents that we are trying our best to achieve more with fewer resources, and to keep on improving our roads across the city,” said Plato.
Meanwhile, the MyCiTi bus service has announced its reviewed fares for 2021 at the end of May. The bus service said the Mover and Standard fares have increased as a result of rising fuel prices.
“We have reduced the smallest Mover package to R20 so that even more people can enjoy the MyCiTi bus service, while the monthly pass remains R790.”
Our fares change on 1 July. We know times are tough, so we’re keeping costs as low as we can. https://t.co/sheNsIHW57 #MyCiTiAlert pic.twitter.com/24wLIWUtIW
— MYCITI Bus (@MyCiTiBus) June 1, 2021
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Picture: Cape Town Etc gallery