Safer parking for Kuils River Public Transport Interchange

By Ilhaam Hoosain
14 May 2008

The City of Cape Town has appointed a contractor to provide a firebreak around the property in a bid to improve the safety of vehicles parked at the Kuils River Public Transport Interchange.

This follows a fire in 2006, which started in the surrounding veld and damaged several vehicles when it swept across the car park.

Funds have been obtained by the City’s Department of Transport to provide a one and a half meter wide buffer zone by hardening the surfaces around the property, which will prevent any future fires from spreading onto the parking area.

According to Llewellyn Devine, the City’s Head of Public Transport Facilities, there is an ever increasing demand for parking from commuters who park at the facility for the day and then catch the train at the Kuils River station to travel to various destinations.

The City has also identified the upgrading of Park-and-Ride facilities as an essential tool to overcome the current congestion on our roads. Parking facilities at 20 railway stations have been earmarked for a possible upgrade for 2010 and beyond.

Kuils River Station has been identified as one of the sites where both sides of the railway station will be investigated for possible expansion, improved security, access control, shelters, pedestrian improvements and integration with the rail system.

The City has advertised the tender for the appointment of professional consultant services to undertake this work.

The start of this project is earmarked for the last quarter of 2008.