Hanover Park terminus project nears completion
A project to improve conditions and safety at the Hanover Park taxi and bus terminus is well under way and set for completion by the end of February, says the City.
The project, which is part of the mayoral urban regeneration programme, started in September 2023.
Mayoral committee member for urban mobility Rob Quintas declined to say how much it had cost, saying, “The City of Cape Town does not publish costs. This is to ensure that we protect sensitive financial information related to specific projects or contracts.”
Ward councillor Antonio van der Rheede said the project included security cameras, better seating for commuters, and upgraded bus shelter roofing lighting and fencing.
“Any upgrades that adds value to the lives of thousands of people are welcome. At night, the interchange can be locked which will make it so much safer,” he said.
Mr Quintas said the project was meant to enhance the entire Hanover terminus precinct as part of the CBD upgrade in 2021.
Hanover Park Community Police Forum chairman Cameron Weldon said the CPF had not been consulted about the security upgrade. He said the terminus needed efficient security guards at night to protect it.
“The ward councillor has now placed neighbourhood watch members at the taxi rank. I’m not sure if they are there to search people, but the CPF has not been consulted. There is a lot more to be done to make the taxi rank safer,” he said.
Mr Van de Rheede said that the CPF didn’t need to be consulted as the terminus was a City facility and the City was responsible for upgrades to protect infrastructure and ensure that commuters had a pleasant experience when using the terminus.
“The CPF is a national structure, and this is local government. There’s nothing in the law that says we need to consult them,” he said.
Hanover Park resident Rukea Rodrigues, who catches a taxi daily to and from work, said: “The lighting and cameras will make us feel much safer. The neighbourhood watch also assists and plays a good role there. There have been robberies around the rank or on people’s way to the rank, so the cameras will make a difference.”
