The walkways connecting the three commuter platforms at the MyCiTi station in Atlantis and the two platforms at the station in Table View are currently exposed, leaving commuters vulnerable to the elements.
“Schools in the areas and local residents have requested the City to consider improvements to the design, to make the stations more commuter-friendly,” explained the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Felicity Purchase.
She said seeing the stations have been operational for a few years, the City has decided to undertake this much-needed upgrade by installing roofing over the walkways as well as glass panels on the side, where it normally gets wet when it rains.
“Work on this project will commence on 18 February, and will be completed within six months, if there are no unexpected delays,” said Purchase.
The total project cost to upgrade Atlantis and Table View platforms is approximately R11 million, R6 million of which is budgeted for work at the station in Reygersdal Drive in Atlantis, and about R5 million for the station in Blaauwberg Road, Table View.
“The purpose of the projects are to make our public transport system more convenient and safer,” Purchase explained. “The tricky part is that the work will have to take place without disruptions to the MyCiTi service.”
This means the contractor can work only between 23:00 and 05:00, when the buses are not operating.
“Luckily the stations are not located in residential areas, but if your business is open after-hours you may be affected,” said Purchase said. “Also, it is possible that the noise coming from the sites will be audible to residents on some evenings, depending on the wind direction.
“The contractor will do the majority of the work off-site, such as the welding of the steel and so forth. Still, there will be some inconvenience, particularly with the installation of the roofing and glass panels. I’m asking commuters and residents to be patient. Once completed, the roof and panels will make a huge difference to commuters’ travelling experience.”
Eleven Port Jackson fig trees will also have to be relocated to make way for the roofing at both stations.
The trees will be replanted at other MyCiTi stations and stops across the city.
