Abstract
The rapid growth of the public transport system and population within the City of Johannesburg and the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipalities limits the space for the construction of public transport facilities (Taxi Ranks). Furthermore, the previously constructed mega public transport facilities (Taxi Ranks) have various challenges. They are difficult and expensive to maintain. Their features such as dark basements, dark corners and enclosed concrete structures led to a lack of safety for commuters; the enclosed concrete structures are cold in winter and hot in summer due to a lack of proper ventilation. In some instances, toxic fumes from taxis re-circulate in the facilities.
At the same time, issues encompassing equity, affordability and sustainability are coming to the fore. In this context, both the City of Johannesburg and the City of Ekurhuleni have had to revise their strategies concerning providing public transport facilities (Taxi Ranks) and hence called for an amendment from the development of huge-scale public transport facilities (Taxi Ranks) to provide more adaptable, compact, enable Integration between modes, low in maintenance, improve safety, accessible facilities and enhance security for commuters.
This research aimed at evaluating how the new model public transport facilities were designed taking cognisance of the needs of the commuters and operators. It interrogated the problem of public transport by putting into view a management idea of public transport priority. The study adopted a qualitative research approach which was followed by conducting ethnographic questionnaires, individual interviews and a case study conducted from five sampled public transport facilities (Taxi Ranks). A total of fourteen employees in Transport planning, Operations and Infrastructure Divisions within the cities were interviewed.
The key findings confirmed that numerous factors affected commuters’ general perception of public transport service and infrastructure which were queuing time, universal access, safety and protection from extensive weather conditions. It further confirmed that the adopted design of the public transport facilities in the cities was partly in line with the prescribed design parameters.
There is however room for improvement and further study is recommended to Metropolitan Municipalities outside Gauteng Province and a study which may include public transport facilities with multiple modes.
Keywords: Sustainability, Public Transport Facilities, Taxi Ranks, Infrastructure, New Model, Design Parameters.