THE Department of Transport is creating a more dynamic and "funky" image says Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin.
THE Department of Transport is creating a more dynamic and "funky" image says Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin.
Opening Cape Town's revamped train and bus station yesterday, Cronin said: "Transport is key to development and construction and it is one sector that continues to provide, sustain and grow jobs.
"It is a primary response to recession."
The smart-looking station, which cost R408million to refurbish, will include an ultra-modern information centre, sleek ticket counters, a police station and more space for shops and offices.
"We must make this station funky, a place where you can do anything. It must have a key government department like Home Affairs and a clinic," he said yesterday.
Group chief executive of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Lucky Montana said: "We are trying to build a world-class station providing a free flow of passengers. A station that will be vital to the community."
Metrorail was the number one transport mode in South Africa, Montana said.
On the proposed fare increase he said: "It is not a legal requirement but as a subsidies entity we have to be sensitive to the government."
Montana said that they would first consult with various communities on the fare increase.
Commuters at the station agreed with Cronin that the station was now a more exciting venue.
"It is no longer congested and dull, now we have to open exclusive shops like Gucci and Prada," said Sisanda Rafuza.
She said the new-look station now felt more safe because of the extra security.
Faiza Omar, from Salt River, challenged the community to maintain the smart appearance of the train station.
"It should never go back to what it was before, this is beautiful and it must stay this way."
The idea of having government offices at the station was also a good idea and she said she looked forward to seeing her "favourite politician", Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale, also using the new station hub.
Going world class
THE Department of Transport is creating a more dynamic and "funky" image says Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin.
THE Department of Transport is creating a more dynamic and "funky" image says Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin.
Opening Cape Town's revamped train and bus station yesterday, Cronin said: "Transport is key to development and construction and it is one sector that continues to provide, sustain and grow jobs.
"It is a primary response to recession."
The smart-looking station, which cost R408million to refurbish, will include an ultra-modern information centre, sleek ticket counters, a police station and more space for shops and offices.
"We must make this station funky, a place where you can do anything. It must have a key government department like Home Affairs and a clinic," he said yesterday.
Group chief executive of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Lucky Montana said: "We are trying to build a world-class station providing a free flow of passengers. A station that will be vital to the community."
Metrorail was the number one transport mode in South Africa, Montana said.
On the proposed fare increase he said: "It is not a legal requirement but as a subsidies entity we have to be sensitive to the government."
Montana said that they would first consult with various communities on the fare increase.
Commuters at the station agreed with Cronin that the station was now a more exciting venue.
"It is no longer congested and dull, now we have to open exclusive shops like Gucci and Prada," said Sisanda Rafuza.
She said the new-look station now felt more safe because of the extra security.
Faiza Omar, from Salt River, challenged the community to maintain the smart appearance of the train station.
"It should never go back to what it was before, this is beautiful and it must stay this way."
The idea of having government offices at the station was also a good idea and she said she looked forward to seeing her "favourite politician", Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale, also using the new station hub.
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