New era for public transport in eThekwini

The Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, recently opened the R312 million Eleventh Avenue Interchange in Clermont, KwaZulu-Natal, marking a major milestone for the GO! Durban Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network.

Located along the Dumisani Makhaye Highway, the interchange forms part of the high-priority C3 Corridor linking Bridge City and Pinetown. The project is designed to ease traffic congestion and improve commuting in the region.

Completed in June, the interchange connects the communities of Berkshire Downs, Clermont and KwaDabeka. The investment aims to improve traffic flow, road safety and accessibility for motorists and pedestrians.

Speaking at a recent media briefing, Xaba said the city and affected stakeholders had resolved key issues that delayed the rollout of the integrated transport service.

“We have reached a common understanding on important matters that will allow the project to move forward,” he said.

Among the agreements reached is that the City will procure 22 buses for the main GO! Durban route, while public transport operators will procure feeder vehicles through Vehicle Operating Companies (VOCs).

The City will enter into a three-year interim contract with the VOCs, followed by a negotiated 12-year agreement.

Xaba said 75% of employees would be recruited from the displaced worker pool, while compensation for affected operators would be based on business value, including current profits and the remaining period on operating licences.

The next step is the establishment of the VOCs, which will provide the ownership and governance structures through which operators will participate in the service. Contracts between the City and the VOCs are expected to be signed during Transport Month in October.

The C3 Corridor between Bridge City and Pinetown is expected to begin operating in December 2026. The remaining Phase One services, including the C1, C2, C9 and Inner-City Distribution Service, are expected to be introduced from the first quarter of 2027.

The City will also begin integrating existing subsidised bus services into the GO! Durban network between December 2026 and March 2027.

To date, eThekwini has invested about R9.7 billion in GO! Durban. Funded through the National Department of Transport’s Public Transport Network Grant, the programme has supported infrastructure development, stations, depots and operational systems.

The project has also created 22 967 job opportunities, including 11 767 for youth, 3 677 for women and 231 for people with disabilities. A further 25 unemployed graduates were employed through the programme.