Chitauka (2014) has stated that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems have emerged as a solution to problem associated with urban mobility and various other developmental challenges such as lack of adequate infrastructure. In part, it has addressed the negative effects of rapid urbanisation and the historical legacy of segregated urban planning of Apartheid era across municipalities in South Africa by providing increased access. This is being achieved in Msunduzi through the implementation and roll out of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTN) (Department of Transport, 2007). The benefits of this new transportation system, which have been documented in the preceding case studies (See Chapter Four). The most cited examples is Curitiba in Brazil. The IRPTN promotes an improved public transport network when compared to the existing bus and rail systems as it includes physical and operational components that enable higher capacities, good public perception and better performance.
Local municipalities are integrating them with other complementing modes of transport such as rail, non-motorised transport (NMT), cycling and to a lesser degree private cars. A legislative framework underpins this initiative. The National Land Transport Act (NLTA) (No. 5 of 2009) stated that all municipalities have been delegated the responsibility of operating the IRPTN which implies that the cost of the operations is their primary responsibility despite the initial capital funding which is sourced from provincial and national government. Therefore, the challenge of financial self-sufficiency is critical to ensuring its long-term sustainability and immunity to political interference.
Msunduzi’s recent drive to implement the IRPTN system, has provided an impetus for spatial change, which emphasises integration, extending existing opportunities and identification of possible new social and economic opportunities where appropriate in the periphery. The IDP 2015-2016 has indicated that the Msunduzi Local Municipality was selected as one of the cities to receive national support and funding for the restructuring of their public transport system in terms of the IRPTN. Planning and preliminary design for the IRPTN commenced in August 2011. The project is well underway as result of the grant funding received from the National Department of Transport (DoT). It is envisaged that the new system would facilitate the integration of various forms of public transport and create a more efficient and reliable transport network. In general terms, it is an integrated system of high demand public transport corridors, referred to as trunk routes, which are fed by a comprehensive system of feeder routes. This provides effective coverage and frequent service for all users of the network. The objectives and goals of the Msunduzi IRTPN are as follows:-
To create a transformed city with a high level of mobility for accessibility to employment, education, and hospitals;
To build a modernized/vibrant transport system with a high quality priority network, with a modern reliable fleet,
To construct architecturally pleasing infrastructure, and convenience, that embodies safety and efficiency;
To increase environmental responsibility;
To facilitate economic spin-offs such as job creation, investment, and business opportunities;
To create visual awareness of the city’s commitment to the poor and marginalised; and,
To Increase in-house technical skills and the capacity of officials through the mastery of state-of- the-art transport modelling tools.
The first phase of the network considers the following types of routes Trunk - the core route with the highest demand using a segregated right of way. One such route has been identified for the initial phase running from Edendale in the west through to Northdale in the east, a distance of some seventeen kilometres. The Edendale-Northdale Corridor has been illustrated in Blue (Phase1) in Map 15 and in Red (BRT) in Map 16. Other complementary strategic bus routes branded as quality bus routes are linked to the main road. Feeder roads serve areas that are more isolated where the road network may comprise gravel roads. Fourteen seater minibuses would provide these services and link up with trunk and
complementary routes, and services. The IRPTN and Phasing Plan for the routes are shown in Map 17 below.
Map 17: IRPTN Route and Phasing Plan
Source: Msunduzi Municipality, 2016
5.3.1 Non-Motorised Transport (NMT)
Non-Motorised Transport includes walking, cycling, and wheelchairs; however, the Msunduzi NMT is limited mainly to pedestrian and cyclist movement over short distances. The KZ-N Department of Transport has initiated a pilot project to construct a five kilometre long and three-meter wide dual use cycle and footpath along the Edendale-Northdale Corridor, which was constructed along Edendale Road.
Msunduzi’s Non-Motorised Master Plan (2009) intends to improve accessibility of people who cannot afford private or public transport. The plan provides primary cycle and footpaths linking the primary
development nodes along the corridor from major residential areas. Map 18 provides a graphical presentation of the NMT Master Plan and associated projects. However, the plan identified a number of pedestrian problems, which included a lack of sidewalks in residential areas; intersections where informal trading is taking place; a lack of sidewalk maintenance; the high speed of vehicles approaching pedestrian crossings; and trading activities blocking sidewalks and other problem areas on several busy roads in the city. Of significance is that the Msunduzi’s IRPTN project is also based on the development of an improved transportation corridor along the same route. It is envisaged that the project will promote public transport and non-motorized transport along the corridor. NMT upgrades will include new infrastructure to establish new links, upgrading of existing networks to provide pedestrian and cycling networks and connections, and services through integrated transport and land use developments.
Map 18: IRPTN Phase 1 Route
Source: Msunduzi, 2015
Map 19: NMT Edendale section of ENC
Source: Msunduzi NMT Master Plan, 2009
5.4 THE GREATER EDENDALE AREA (GEA)