The eThekwini Municipality has started testing and commissioning on Corridor 3 (C3), which will become the first operational route of the city's Integrated Public Transport Network. This route runs between Bridge City and Pinetown. The testing phase is intended to ensure that the infrastructure, buses, technology and operating systems work together before the service becomes operational.
During the testing phase, residents may see buses travelling along the route and using dedicated bus lanes, but the municipality has stressed that they are being used for testing purposes and will not carry passengers. The testing includes bus timetables, docking at station platforms, access control, cashless fare collection and passenger information systems.
Director of the eThekwini Transport Authority, Nelisiwe Zama, emphasized the importance of the testing phase. She said, “Testing and commissioning makes sure that GO!Durban is safe, reliable and ready before the first passenger boards a bus. This phase allows the City and its operating partners to test every part of the system together, identify any issues and resolve them before services begin.”
The City explained that C3 testing follows the council's approval of the GO!Durban Business and Operational Plans on September 1, 2026, and the signing of a process agreement with representatives of the minibus taxi and bus industries. This approval and agreement mark significant steps towards the implementation of the Integrated Public Transport Network.
The municipality has warned road users not to use the dedicated bus lanes, which are reserved exclusively for GO!Durban buses. Pedestrians have been urged to use designated crossings and avoid crossing the bus lanes, while motorists must obey traffic signals and road signs and take extra care at intersections and when turning.
The start date for passenger services on the Bridge City–Pinetown route will be announced through the municipality's official communication channels. Once operational, the GO!Durban service aims to provide a safe, reliable and efficient public transport system for residents.
The successful testing and commissioning of Corridor 3 will pave the way for the rollout of further routes in the Integrated Public Transport Network. The eThekwini Municipality is working to enhance public transport in the city, providing an alternative to private vehicle use and reducing congestion on the roads.
Key points
- The testing phase includes checking bus timetables, docking at station platforms, access control, cashless fare collection and passenger information systems.
- The municipality has warned road users not to use dedicated bus lanes during the testing phase.
- The start date for passenger services will be announced through official communication channels.
