The City of Cape Town’s Transport Directorate has completed the upgrade of the Dunoon Public Transport Interchange (PTI) This is essential in the affordable housing space as people need access to reliable transport.
The construction of the first phase of the PTI on the corner of Potsdam and Dumani Roads in Dunoon commenced in 2019. This brand-new facility boasts a new multi-storey building, a covered waiting area for commuters and public open spaces. All of these are now operational.
There are ablution facilities and formal trading kiosks, as well as outside informal trading spaces to stimulate economic development. These economic opportunities are managed with the City of Cape Town’s Economic and Development team together with the formal and informal traders to strengthen a long-term relationship with the stakeholders and community.
‘Informal trading has always been a crucial component of taxi ranks and the main source of income for the traders. Thus, I am happy that they will now have safe and secure trading kiosks. This speaks to our commitment to servicing the immediate needs of our residents and ensuring that they participate in Cape Town’s growing economy and can put food on the table for their families. I appeal to traders to keep their kiosks always clean,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
‘This morning I went to Dunoon to see the final product and experienced first-hand how the minibus-taxi operators and commuters use this space. I am proud that we succeeded in delivering the PTI despite some delays and setbacks caused by the national Covid-19 lockdown. Not only is the facility aesthetically pleasing, but it also enables minibus-taxis to operate in a formal and more organised manner while commuters are no longer exposed to harsh weather conditions while waiting for a taxi,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Councillor Rob Quintas.
‘Minibus-taxis are the primary mode of transport for many of our residents. They use them to get to work, school and other destinations across Cape Town and the upgraded facility will go a long way in improving their experience. I want to thank the Dunoon Taxi Association and all community organisations who invested tireless time and effort by serving on the Project Steering Committee and the residents for working with us in making this project a success. I also want to urge the minibus-taxi operators and commuters to take full ownership and to look after the facility,’ said Councillor Quintas.