Renovations are under way at the East London bus station in Station Street in a bid to attract more bus companies to join the station.
The proposed expansion of the station has raised concerns about traffic congestion in the area.
The R7-million project was awarded to Tewu Building and Civil’s which started construction work in January.
Metrorail’s provincial spokeswoman Mimi Katsio said the renovations were being done to accommodate other bus companies.
“Additions and alterations are being made to the existing structure.”
Katsio said that for the duration of the renovations, representatives of Autopax – which operates Translux and City to City – could be found daily outside the premises directing travellers to where they could make their bus bookings.
Asked which bus companies had been secured to use the refurbished station, Katsio said: “We cannot divulge any information as yet because we have not yet secured any. We are still negotiating with other bus companies.”
Katsio said the upgrade, due to be completed in September, would have no impact on the bus station at the Windmill Office Park.
“Windmill is a privately owned complex what we are doing at the station has no impact or link to them.”
Motorists around Station Street expressed concern over how additional buses would congest an already saturated parking space.
Siyabonga Nqaleni said the municipality would have to create more parking space.
“Motorists are getting tickets hourly for bad parking because there is no space.”
Another motorist, Lungile Venfolo suggested the road should be turned into a one-way street.
“The street is busy and very congested already…they should just close the road off to accommodate the buses.”
Bonisile Dlamini, who also struggles to find parking in the area, said the bus station needed to be moved to a new location.
“It’s such a struggle to find parking here on a daily basis. The problem can only escalate if more buses join the street. The bus station must move to another venue.”
Director of the Border-Kei Chamber of Commerce Les Holbrook said businesses needed to look at the long-term implications of developments.
“Parking is a serious problem in the area. It is already congested with over-developments; even the Windmill is congested.”
Holbrook said developers ought to find a large piece of land and turn it into a bus hub.
“I don’t see how the municipality could approve development in such a congested area.”
Buffalo City Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese had not responded to questions by the time of writing. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Parking worries as CBD bus station is upgraded
The proposed expansion of the station has raised concerns about traffic congestion in the area.
The R7-million project was awarded to Tewu Building and Civil’s which started construction work in January.
Metrorail’s provincial spokeswoman Mimi Katsio said the renovations were being done to accommodate other bus companies.
“Additions and alterations are being made to the existing structure.”
Katsio said that for the duration of the renovations, representatives of Autopax – which operates Translux and City to City – could be found daily outside the premises directing travellers to where they could make their bus bookings.
Asked which bus companies had been secured to use the refurbished station, Katsio said: “We cannot divulge any information as yet because we have not yet secured any. We are still negotiating with other bus companies.”
Katsio said the upgrade, due to be completed in September, would have no impact on the bus station at the Windmill Office Park.
“Windmill is a privately owned complex what we are doing at the station has no impact or link to them.”
Motorists around Station Street expressed concern over how additional buses would congest an already saturated parking space.
Siyabonga Nqaleni said the municipality would have to create more parking space.
“Motorists are getting tickets hourly for bad parking because there is no space.”
Another motorist, Lungile Venfolo suggested the road should be turned into a one-way street.
“The street is busy and very congested already…they should just close the road off to accommodate the buses.”
Bonisile Dlamini, who also struggles to find parking in the area, said the bus station needed to be moved to a new location.
“It’s such a struggle to find parking here on a daily basis. The problem can only escalate if more buses join the street. The bus station must move to another venue.”
Director of the Border-Kei Chamber of Commerce Les Holbrook said businesses needed to look at the long-term implications of developments.
“Parking is a serious problem in the area. It is already congested with over-developments; even the Windmill is congested.”
Holbrook said developers ought to find a large piece of land and turn it into a bus hub.
“I don’t see how the municipality could approve development in such a congested area.”
Buffalo City Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese had not responded to questions by the time of writing. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos