ROUTES & STATIONS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Routes
How will these routes integrate with services in other municipalities and the long-distance routes to other cities and provinces? Is there an agreement between RLM and surrounding municipalities where the RRT does cross over the border to service communities coming into Rustenburg?
This aspect of system design is still to be conducted and integrated planning is happening at Provincial and District level.
When will the routes be phased in?
The new service will be introduced in 4 phases with Phase 1 being ready for service by the end of the 2014/15 financial year. New construction starts June 2013 Phase 1 of the RRT will come into operation by early 2016.
When will the routes be final and when do we get to see them?
Route planning is complete, but the phasing and financial viability of routes and negotiation with the Taxi Industry will all influence the finalization of the routes – so we do expect some changes but these should be minor.
Will there be problems with landowners?
Most of the routes are along existing roads. There may be one or two areas where the route requires land to be expropriated, rezoned or changed – these are still to be finalised.
Will the route work when there are funerals? The graveyard has been moved to Rietvlei and there needs to be a service to here.
Currently there is a route planned to Geelhout Park which runs close to the cemetery.
There should be a route connecting Chaneng to Tsitsing.
the D5 Route does connect these two township areas.
The Kanana Route should go all the way up to Mogwase.
This is covered by the D18 route.
Where do the Bicycle Lanes (NMT) start and end?
These routes have not been mapped as yet – but initial information is showing a greater need and use of bicycles on the Kanana route. These routes will be revealed in 2013once surveys and planning is complete.
Station Design
Public toilets as well as staff toilets should be included at all stations
The staff toilet can be used in emergencies and by disabled people; but to due to space constraints, provision of public toilets is not viable at stations. Public toilets are being looked at in the design of the Central Station.
Pedestrian safety needs to be addressed; suggesting pedestrian bridge
be constructed at Bosch Street and also to the Taxi Rank. Note: Pedestrian bridges are not recommended in the design, but pedestrian crossing technology and education will be very important and are included in the system.
What will happen to the existing Taxi Rank?
The existing rank will continue to operate providing long-distance, metered taxi or charter services for the people of Rustenburg.
How many people will each station employ?
Final numbers will still be agreed in the financial and operations model; but generally each station has a Kiosk Manager; a Customer Ambassador position and a Security Officer.
Why not use a local person to consult on Universal Access for the stations? The Disability Desk at the RLM wish to be involved in future Public Participation Expos.
The RRT Universal Access Consultant is already working with the local stakeholders and individuals to ensure the system is right for the local needs, as well as complying with the national standards and requirements as stipulated by the National Department of Transport. The Disability Desk will be contacted and involved in future.
Fares
How much will a ticket/card cost? If I lose my card can I get my money back?
The zonal fare system will need to be properly communicated through a dedicated education campaign. The system will be cashless from day 1 and use a bank approved “pay-as-you-go” card. Users will need to buy a card, and then load this with money to use the system. Wherever they go, a “tap on- tap-off” routine and habit needs to be developed. The price of the fare still needs to be modeled according to financial viability and the likelihood of securing subsidies - but the principles are that the fares will be affordable and in-line with current fares with concessions for young children (under 5) and elderly be factored into the business model. This information will only be ready for public communication later in 2013.
Construction
When will construction start?
Construction is due to commence on the first section of the BRT route in August 2012.
How will RRT address the traffic issues which will be caused by construction?
Construction will be done in stages, and detour routes will be looked at in the CBD. Outdoor billboards and ongoing communication through the media will be used to help address traffic issues. However, it must be noted that the period of construction will be disruptive and patience of the people is needed.
Will construction begin with the main or feeder routes first?
The BRT Route will be constructed first – Starting with contract A up to Phokeng, closely followed by Contract B to Kanana and finally with the CBD. Contract phasing cannot be finalised at this stage as PTISG funding still needs to be secured to proceed with all construction. Construction starts with provision of services and roads, and the stations are built once services are in place.
How will current public transport be affected during the construction of the routes?
Taxi and Bus services will continue to operate as normally as possible with some minor route deviations around the construction zones. Only once the system launches, will certain taxi and bus routes be taken off the roads in phases to ensure the people are not inconvenienced.
Is the RRT using local companies and not just locals for the manual labour?
Consistent messaging and transparency around employment and opportunities for local business is very important in the project. This needs to be included in as much of our communication as possible.
Operations
Will there be transport at night and early hours of the morning for us working at the mines when we knock off?
The routes provide services to all the existing mines and shafts and the actual services and times will be determined in consultation with the mines. There may need to be some subsidising of off-peak services by the mining companies to make the route financially viable in some cases.
What do the buses look like? Will they be universally accessible?
All buses will be universally accessible and there will be three kinds – Articulated 18m buses seating 110 people; Standard 12m buses seating 60 people and Midi buses of 9.8m seating 30 people. Buses will be low-entry and Euro 3 emissions standards for the first phase. Fleet needs are determined by the phasing of the project and the availability of funding. Buses need to be ordered by early 2013 in order to launch the system by 2015. More information on the fleet will be provided to the public later in 2012 on this aspect of the RRT.