For the last few years South Africa has seen unprecedented activity in its transport infrastructure with major airports being refurbished and constructed, and road networks being upgraded.

While the work may be necessary, the impetus for doing it can be largely attributed to the country’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the need to present the country in as good a light as possible to the thousands of tourists expected to visit during those crucial four weeks.

However, as the World Cup train continues to rumble onwards towards the much-anticipated deadline of June next year, not all of the government’s transport endeavours are meeting with approval.

In Johannesburg controversy is still dogging the government’s new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which is set to launch at the end of August, with the city’s minibus taxi industry still protesting against the plans.

Similar moves are also underway across South Africa, and in Cape Town the provincial government is embarking on its own version – the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system.

What does the IRT system mean for Cape Town?

As the name suggests, IRT is a new integrated transport system that aims to connect and complement the various modes of transport around Cape Town and its surrounding suburbs through the use of minibuses and buses of different sizes.

The first commuters will begin using proper IRT services by the end of 2010, says Kylie Hatton, media manager for the City of Cape Town, though she adds that an initial service transporting people between the airport and the city will be operational for the World Cup.

Like its counterpart in Johannesburg, IRT will be implemented in various stages. Phase 1a of Cape Town’s project will link the airport with the city, as well as an inner city service transporting commuters to key areas such as the stadium, the V&A Waterfront and Long Street. Smaller feeder vehicles will also service areas such as Tamboerskloof, Vredehoek and Gardens.

In addition, the IRT will also stretch into the Atlantis corridor, serving low income communities such as Mamre, Atlantis and Du Noon, as well as relieving congestion on the R27 in areas such as Blaauwberg.

The rest of Phase 1 will use the airport as a main hub, adding further services along the Atlantis corridor and extending into destinations across the peninsula such as Century City, Table View, Durbanville, and into Gordon’s Bay and the Southern suburbs.

“The idea of the IRT system is to integrate all the modes of transport, such as the current rail system, BRT, non-motorised transport, pedicabs, bicycle hiring services and long distance taxis with easy pedestrian access between them, to make public transport easy and convenient to use,” says Hatton.

Is the IRT going to be an affordable system for everyone?

Improvements to Cape Town’s public transport system will be positively received by much of the population, particularly given the lack of parking in the city, however the question remains as to whether the system will be affordable for all?

“Fares on the IRT system will be comparable to current public transport fares. The City is compiling a number of pricing models to ensure that the system is affordable,” says Hatton.

Current proposals suggest the feeder routes would have a fixed price, with a proposed fee of R5 per trip, though transfers between feeder and trunk services will be free. For longer trunk routes, the fare will be determined by a base fee, plus a distance-related fee, with a maximum in Phase 1a of R16 in peak hours and R15 in off-peak hours.

Travellers will pre-load their fares onto smartcards, in a similar fashion to the popular Oyster card in London, making the IRT a cashless mode of transport.

Image of a proposed IRT station 

Security is still a major concern for many commuters, however, and has thus far made them reluctant to use public transport systems. Does the City of Cape Town have any plans to alleviate these concerns?

“One of the key aims of the IRT is to create a safe public transport service. All stations will be equipped with CCTV cameras, monitored from the IRT control room in Goodwood,” says Hatton, noting that there will also be a fast emergency response service with security guards posted at all trunk stations.

With the security in place, the city hopes that it can persuade current car owners to convert to public transport. While Joburg’s traffic congestion is far worse than that seen in Cape Town, commuters, especially on the R27 route, can sometimes spend more than two hours a day in their cars.

“The City is optimistic that many commuters currently using private cars, will begin to use the IRT as the benefits of using the system often outweigh using private vehicles. The IRT will save commuters time and money as in many instances it will be more cost effective,” says Hatton.

Promise of IRT brings protests with the taxi industry

While the IRT system has generated much positive response, the taxi industry has been less enthusiastic, complaining that the new system threatens their livelihoods.

The provincial government appears to have no plans to abolish the system, so are there any plans in place to appease the taxi industry in Cape Town?

“The City envisages the existing minibus taxi and bus industries playing a leading role in the new system, by forming companies that will be contracted to operate the IRT system’s vehicles,” says Eddie Chinnappen, Executive Director of Transport, Roads & Stormwater for Cape Town.

He also notes that companies choosing to take part in the new system will be given secure, long-term contracts extending over 10 to 12 years. In that time it is hoped the companies will develop expertise as IRT operators, and will therefore be in a good position to bid for the renewal of the contracts.

While the long-term view is to phase out taxi services in Cape Town along the IRT routes, Phase 1 of the project only affects about 10% of the existing bus and taxi services, so the landscape looks set to remain for some time to come.
 
Chinnappen says that one of the main aims of IRT is to improve the working conditions for those employed in the minibus taxi and bus industries, adding that full-time workers in the affected industries will be given preferential access to jobs in the new system.

“Many of the current drivers and staff are without employment benefits such as leave, sick leave, health care, maternity benefits and pensions. The new system will provide these benefits as well as safer working conditions,” he says.

The new transport systems are an integral part of the government’s World Cup plans, and despite the taxi industry’s repeated protests about their implementation, it seems increasingly unlikely that they will be waylaid.

One thing is for sure, however, Cape Town’s provincial government will likely be keeping a close eye on the launch of the BRT system in Johannesburg next month as an indicator for how the best to proceed with IRT. 

To view a map of the proposed IRT system in Cape Town click here.