Work is underway to convert the site under the freeway bridge into a temporary holding facility to accommodate approximately 270 minibus-taxis. The work includes the flattening of the parking surface, dropping of kerbs to provide access and exit points, the installation of guardrails along FW de Klerk Boulevard, and the installation of road signs and temporary water and sanitation services.
Should all go as planned, the minibus-taxi operators will hold at this site as from 9.30am on Monday, 4 November 2019, once the morning peak hour period has ended.
There will be regular cleaning services and 24-hour security at this site which will serve as a temporary holding facility until the City has concluded the planning and preparations for medium- and longer-term holding facilities. The City’s traffic signal unit and traffic services will assist in limiting any impact the new holding area may have on traffic flow in this area.
The City has hosted two meetings with the displaced minibus-taxi operators who have indicated they are willing and keen to move to the Foreshore site. They have also attended a site visit with City officials to familiarise themselves with the layout and to prepare for the relocation from District Six.
One of the unintended consequences of the recent refurbishment of the Station Deck rank is that the facility can no longer accommodate the same number of vehicles as before. As a result, about 250 minibus-taxi operators have been displaced and have moved onto vacant sites in mainly District Six where they park their vehicles while they are waiting for the next peak hour period.
This is having a negative impact on the residents and businesses in District Six.
The City will undertake a clean-up operation at these sites once the minibus-taxis have vacated and moved to the new temporary holding area in the Foreshore. There will also be a law enforcement presence to ensure compliance.
The transport directorate is, in the meantime, reviewing the layout of the Station Deck minibus-facility for a longer-term solution to accommodate more taxis during the off-peak periods.
