Johannesburg - The Joburg International Transport Interchange (JITI), one of the City of Joburg’s largest infrastructure developments, is finally reaching completion after many stops and starts since 2014.
At 50 000m², the state-of-the-art interchange is an international long-distance and cross-border transport hub in the CBD.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the city’s transport department, has been undertaking the JITI’s construction, which has now reached practical completion and will launch at end of the month.
It was scheduled for completion in 2018 but tenders were cancelled due to non-performance.
The hi-tech, advanced international long-distance and cross-border transport will be the biggest public transport facility for long-distance travellers on the African continent, once opened.
“Transport is one of the backbones of Joburg’s economy and plays a significant role in connecting residents to education, business and work opportunities. The JITI facility will see approximately 1 500 travellers per day arrive or depart to destinations in the SADC regions,” said member of mayoral committee (MMC) for transport, Nonhlanhla Makhuba said.
It is within easy access to transport routes, like the Nelson Mandela Bridge and the M2 Double decker freeway.
The floor area includes a bus terminal for cross-border buses as well as ranking and holding space for 800 taxis; ranking space for 158 taxis and ranking for 20 buses.
There will be clear electronic signage, CCTV cameras throughout the facility, as well as facilities for the disabled.
Only vehicles which have the correct operating licences and vehicle fitness certificates will be allowed in the facility. The advanced access control, which will feature a dual authentication, including license plate recognition, as one of the innovations to ensure that vehicles are operating safely and legally.
The latest technology, in green building design, has also been incorporated throughout the facility, including extensive solar panels on the building.
In the building will be space for large and small retail outlets, banks, ticketing offices, food courts and informal traders – the facility will also create a variety of economic opportunities, as well as provide social amenities for inner city users and residents.
“Infrastructure underpins economic activity and catalyses growth and development. The JDA has been responsible for spearheading and delivering the city’s strategic infrastructure projects since its inception and has undertaken 1000 projects emphasising the renovation, innovation and re-imagination of the city’s built environment and urban communities,” said MMC for development planning, Thapelo Amad.
The Star