Durban unveils its Non-Motorised Transport
As public transport and accessibility is such a pain for South Africans, this new initiative coming from KZN seems really positive, and best of all is – it is non-motorised. The initiative is called the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT). This transport system will provides accessible lanes and routes for citizens to reach public transport.
Mayor James Nxumalo on Thursday said the city was committed to developing public transport infrastructure that was safe and easy to use for its citizens. “There are some people living in our city that are unable to access public transport safely because of the lack of this basic infrastructure and today we celebrate the beginning of the roll out of this plan through GO! Durban – our Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network,” said Mayor Nxumalo.
The NMT network caters for transport that is “human powered” including cycling, push scooters, wheelchair travel, roller skates, skateboards and hand carts. The plan for the NMT network will include sidewalks, off-road paths, safe crossings, pedestrian bridges and cycle areas for recreational and commuting purposes.
The focus of this initiative will be on commuter-based use, which enables people to walk and cycle throughout the city. It will be designed in a way that will keep pedestrians safe from motorised vehicles.
The long term goal is for these intra-city mini networks to grow and exponentially connect the various areas of the city. The benefits of non-motorised transport are that they are non-polluting, versatile, reliable and promote physical exercise. Part of the NMT’s foundation was developed in the years preceding the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with a massive upgrade of the beachfront. The idea of connecting people and communities that was created by the city for the event included walkway routes such as the Green Walk Cycle Circuit, Walk all the Way System and Connect to Rail.
“The success of the NMT will be judged on how it delivers on four pillars: its ability to connect people to places and communities; how it enhances lifestyles and results in an environment that is safer; how it promotes economic growth and prosperity, and whether it is delivered in an efficient and sustainable way,” Mayor Nxumalo said.