A new international transport facility has been built in Braamfontein for long distance travelling. The Johannesburg International Transport Interchange (JITI) is a project of the City’s Transport Department constructed by the Johannesburg Development Agency. The latest technology in green building design has also been incorporated throughout the facility including extensive solar panels on the building.
There is no sign of the old Kaserne parking garage unless a person knew where it used to be. The interchange, whose official launch date has been set for Wednesday 30 June 2021 under strict Covid 19 protocols, includes a large public entrance, a flight of stairs that includes a walkway for the disabled and a high ceiling, well- lit foyer with yellow directional signs cannot be missed.
There is a large information desk where a friendly, knowledgeable tech savvy officer will assist you in case
JITI occupies 50,000 square meters of space that includes a bus terminal for cross border buses and ranking and holding space for 800 taxis at any one time, ranking for 150 taxis and 20 buses. The facility has over 3300 square meters devoted to retail for both large retail outlets and informal traders, banks, ticketing offices and food courts.
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Different areas are easily accessible along wide corridors, pedestrian markings, excellent lighting and yes big brother is watching over everything via CCTV cameras. Travelling within and outside the country has never been more safe and comfortable.
The facility is designed not only for travellers and their needs but operators as well with rest rooms and showers. There is clear static and electronic signage indicating arrival and departure of buses and minibus taxis, booking offices as well as a website and App listing bus and minibus taxi services and schedules.
A sophisticated access control system will make sure that travellers will only use vehicles which have the correct operating licenses and vehicle fitness certificates. A law enforcement office on the facility will be readily accessible for passengers to complain or escalate incidents. It will also conduct regular enforcement campaigns and blitzes ensuring that no illegal goods are transported on the vehicles.
This building fits into corner of Gwigwi and Simmonds Streets and is a welcome addition to the city landscape. It is in good company with Home Affairs and Park Station in very close proximity. The facility will see approximately 1500 travellers per day arrive or depart to destinations in the SADC regions of Africa.
It took just over 48 months to build at a cost of R530million. 28 SMMEs were contracted at the commencement of this multi-million rand development. Changes in the city’s supply chain management policy had the desired result of creating employment opportunities.
The development is truly a product of multi internal and external stakeholders and lengthy stakeholder engagements with minibus taxi and bus operators, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, trader associations and law enforcement agencies.
