The City of Cape Town has completed public meetings on its plan to upgrade the Nyanga Public Transport Interchange, a critical transportation hub serving thousands of commuters daily. The existing rank is a hive of activity, with about 230 taxis transporting over 16,000 people to and from Nyanga daily. The upgrade aims to improve transport facilities, trading areas, and infrastructure used by hundreds of commuters daily.
Ntombovuyo Gubudela, one of about 150 informal traders at the rank, has sold sweets and other snacks at the Nyanga taxi rank since 2020. She and other traders have complained for years about the lack of facilities for traders and commuters. Gubudela welcomed the upgrade, especially the provision of dedicated stalls, saying the current interchange is inadequate, especially when it rains.
Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas said the upgrade includes buildings, roofing, roads, toilets, taxi facilities, and containers for traders. A contractor is expected to be on site this month, and work should start soon. However, it is unclear how much it will cost or when it will be completed.
While the upgrade is underway, traders will move temporarily to the nearby Nyanga Sports Field. The area will also accommodate Golden Arrow buses and taxis and provide toilets, offices, and security. Gubudela and other traders will relocate to the temporary site, which will serve as a makeshift trading area during the upgrade period.
The upgrade also forms part of the MyCiTi Phase 2A expansion to connect areas that include Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Wynberg, and Claremont. The City said the project was prioritized to address serious safety concerns, which have led to violent incidents, including the torching of nine taxis and a deadly shooting at the rank in March.
The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) has been in talks with the City about the upgrade and foresees "some challenges" for their passengers during the upgrade period. CATA chairperson Solethu Sawulisi said taxi drivers will help inform their passengers about the relocation and where their new pick-up points will be at the temporary site at the sports facility, where they intend to be for two years.
In recent years, the Nyanga taxi rank has experienced violent incidents, including the torching of taxis and a deadly shooting. The upgrade aims to address these safety concerns and provide a more secure and efficient transportation hub for commuters.
Key points
- The City of Cape Town upgrades Nyanga Public Transport Interchange to improve facilities and safety
- Traders and taxi drivers welcome the upgrade but foresee challenges during the upgrade period
- The upgrade is part of the MyCiTi Phase 2A expansion to connect areas including Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Wynberg, and Claremont
