Sandton Public Transport Loop up and running

The Sandton StepsUP initiative was launched by the City of Johannesburg in partnership with Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) and the participating public transport services.

Elaine Jack, city improvement district (CID) manager of SCMD, which is responsible for managing the public urban spaces of South Africa’s financial hub region’s financial hub, says: “The Sandton Public Transport Loop was introduced to create easy and convenient access for passengers to connect to public transport and enjoy shorter travel times. We are stepping up as Sandton Central to be more people friendly in keeping with leading cities worldwide.”

Route

The loop includes 10 bus stops with shelters. The public transport lane runs anticlockwise around the loop. From the Gautrain Station, for instance, it runs along Rivonia Road; then it turns left at Fredman Drive, between Nedbank and RMB and advances along Fredman until 5th Street; here it turns left again, and proceeds up 5th Street passing under the two pedestrian walkway bridges between Sandton City and the Sandton Convention Centre and Nelson Mandela Square; and when it reaches Rivonia Road again, it turns left in front of the EY building to return to its starting point.

Private cars may use the dedicated public transport lane while entering or leaving the streets on the loop, or to access or exit buildings. However, they may not travel on the loop.

Jack adds: “While much of Sandton’s road infrastructure was developed with only private vehicles in mind, typical of the development of its time, but the way people move around Sandton Central is changing. Providing better public transport access responds to this and furthers its sustainable urban design."