Century City Public Transport Services & Facilities

CENTURY CITY PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (CCPOA) AND RABIE PROPERTY GROUP (RPG)

CENTURY CITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES & FACILITIES (EXISTING & FUTURE)

2008 OVERVIEW REPORT

HHO Africa Infrastructure Engineers 6560 Cape Town October 2008 CONTENTS

Section No Description Page No

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND 1 1.2 SCOPE OF THIS REPORT 1

2.0 EXISTING SYSTEM EVALUATION

2.1 EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT & RELATED 2 INFRASTRUCTURE 2.2 EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES & DEMAND 3

3.0 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROPOSALS

3.1 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT & RELATED 9 INFRASTRUCTURE 3.2 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES 12 3.3 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEMAND 13

4.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS 1 6

5.0 REFERENCES 1 8

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 i CENTURY CITY : PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES & FACILITIES (EXISTING & FUTURE)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Century City is well served by external public transport services, mainly buses and minibus-taxis, and to a lesser extent, rail.

The Ratanga Public Transport Interchange is located adjacent to Ratanga Road in the western part of Century City while the new Century Avenue Public Transport Interchange is located in the northern part of Century City and will replace the current transfer facility located at the nearby Shell Service Station.

The construction of the Century Avenue PTI is virtually complete, and it is soon to be opened for services.

The major points of origin for taxi and especially bus services are Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha. Other points of origin for buses are Cape Town, Elsies River, Hanover Park, Delft and Nyanga and Atlantis; and for taxis are Maitland and Koeberg rail stations, and Goodwood, Elsies River, Bellville, Nyanga, Gugulethu and Langa.

Public Transport Services & Facilities at Century City : Executive Summary ii

The internal shuttle service operating between Ratanga PTI and the Shell service station is well established, and has become a popular mode of workers accessing their places of work via the transport interchanges

Whereas the shuttle service follows a linear route Current initiatives regarding the shuttle service between Ratanga and the Shell service station via includes the possible introduction of new buses, in Century Boulevard and Century Avenue, future line with the airport shuttles currently in use. An route options could include a circular route via the alternative option being considered is the recently completed sections of Century Boulevard refurbishment of existing buses, which includes and Century Way ring road. creating more standing room.

The shuttle service performance levels are generally high, with headways between 7 and 10 minutes during peak hours, and on average 15 minutes during the inter- and off-peak periods. The service is well utilised, and carried around 3 000 passengers/day, or ± 90 000 per month. Ridership growth since 2005 was substantial, when it carried around 2 000 passengers/day (or ± 60 000 per month).

Public Transport Services & Facilities at Century City : Executive Summary iii

There is a direct pedestrian link along Northbank Lane between Ratanga PTI and Canal Walk Shopping Centre (and other facilities within Century City). The at grade crossing of Century Way is particularly busy and wide sidewalks are provided along Northbank Lane to separate pedestrians from normal traffic.

There is currently demand for metered taxis generated by the existing hotels and timeshare facilities within Century City. These activities are likely to increase as more of these types of facilities are introduced into Century City.

The detail planning for Century City station on the Monte Vista rail line is underway, and construction is earmarked for completion before the 2010 World Cup. It forms a key part of the transport operational plan for the event (as a park-and-ride and transfer station). A formal pedestrian link is planned to connect Century City station and Century City via Sable Road bridge. A dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) facility is planned along the N1 corridor, linking the Northern Suburbs with Cape Town. In the shorter Summer Greens station is indicated term, dedicated trunk BRT routes linking Century City with Cape Town as the first station on the Atlantis CBD (via Koeberg Road & R27), the Airport and Bloubergstrand are line, and will become operational planned. with the upgrading of the Atlantis line to provide a passenger service The City of Cape Town has allocated R1,3bn to the 1st phase of the BRT in the longer term. system, part of which is scheduled for completion by March 2010.

Public Transport Services & Facilities at Century City : Executive Summary iv

Currently ± 22% of trips to and from Century City are public transport trips (18% bus & taxi, 4% rail). This compares favourably with competing areas such as Tygervalley where 18% of trips are by public transport (bus & taxi). By comparison, a node such as Claremont which is served directly by rail (southern suburbs line) has a similar proportion by bus & taxi (19%), but a much larger proportion by rail (17%) compared to Century City, which currently is only served indirectly (Acacia Station & Mutual Stations) and have excessive and indirect pedestrian linkages. When Century City station is introduced, it would be expected that a much larger proportion by rail would be realised.

Claremont Century City Tygervalley Claremont

0% 17% 4% 18% 18%

19%

78% 82% 64%

Car commuter trips Bus & Taxi commuter trips Rail commuter trips

In terms of the land use bulk allocation at Century City, ± 58% of the total future allowable retail and office bulk is still available for use, including approved but yet unutilised bulk. This provides an indication of the potential for growth in public transport demand, and services provision.

Based on a targeted public transport mode share at Century City of 50% (currently 22%), public transport demand at a fully developed Century City could potentially show a sixfold increase, and a close to a sevenfold increase if potential public transport use by local residents is also considered.

The planning and provision for public transport at Century City is well positioned to accommodate the anticipated increases in demand.

Public Transport Services & Facilities at Century City : Executive Summary 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA) and Rabie Property Group (RPG) have requested HHO Africa to prepare an independent overview report on the provision of public transport services at Century City. Together with the growth of Century City over the past 10 years, an associated increase in the demand for public transport services has been experienced. Century City has become a major destination point for bus and taxi services, from origins as far as Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha. Rail plays a relatively minor role at this stage, with passengers accessing Century City via the Acacia Park station on the Monte Vista rail line, and also Mutual Station via the Kensington residential area.

The internal Century City shuttle service, which was introduced in October 1997, provides all-day services during weekdays and weekends. It operates between the Ratanga Public Transport Interchange in the south-west, and the Shell service station in the north, via Century Boulevard and Century Avenue. The Century Avenue transport interchange has recently been completed, and is expected to become operational in the near future (as the new interchange replacing the Shell service station).

Future external public transport infrastructure and service improvements include the construction and implementation of Century City station on the Monte Vista rail line (to be operational for the 2010 World Cup), and Summer Greens station on the Atlantis rail line in the longer term. A dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) facility is planned along the N1, linking the Northern Suburbs with Cape Town, which could introduce an attractive alternative to private vehicle travelling along this corridor. Finally, demand responsive road based services should ensure that Century City continues to be well served by buses and minibus-taxis, as new developments at Century City are rolled out.

1.2 SCOPE OF THIS REPORT

This report provides a status quo of existing external and internal public transport services provision at Century City. It covers aspects related to infrastructure, frequency of services, major origins and destinations, and demand. It also provides a forecast of potential public transport demand at the development, based on the bulk parameters agreed with the City of Cape Town. Recent data from surveys of shuttle and external public transport services undertaken by the Century City Property Owners’ Association, have been used in the report.

The report is also an update of the investigation undertaken into the shuttle service operations by HHO Africa in 2005 (Ref 1), on behalf of the Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA).

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 2

2.0 EXISTING SYSTEM EVALUATION

2.1 EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT & RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE

2.1.1 Transport Interchanges

There are currently two main transport interchanges/ transfer points serving Century City, as follows :

• Ratanga Public Transport Interchange (PTI), located off Ratanga Road in the western Century City precinct.

• The Shell service station, located on Century Avenue in the northern Century City precinct. This functions as a transfer point related to public transport stops on Bosmansdam Road, close to its intersection with Century Avenue. Passengers are dropped off at these stops, from where they walk to the Shell service station to transfer to the internal shuttle service. This interchange is soon to be replaced by the Century Avenue public transport interchange recently completed at the future Summer Greens station.

2.1.2 Shuttle Bus Routing and Stops

The existing shuttle service operates between Ratanga PTI and the Shell service station on the northern portion of the site, which form the terminal points at which the interface with external public transport modes (buses and taxis) takes place. The service is routed mainly along Century Boulevard and Century Avenue. There are 10 stops on each of the northbound and southbound legs of the shuttle route, located at regular intervals.

2.1.3 Rail Stations

The Monte Vista rail line aligned to the south of Century City provides rail services for commuters accessing Century City, via Acacia Park station. The Bellville rail line also serve Century City bound commuters indirectly via the Koeberg and Maitland stations, from where commuters transfer to minibus-taxis.

2.1.4 Pedestrian Routes and Crossings

Many public transport passengers who get dropped off at Ratanga PTI choose to walk to their work destinations, at Canal Walk and office buildings in the vicinity, and not transfer to the shuttle service. A direct pedestrian walkway is located along Northbank Lane linking Ratanga PTI and Canal Walk Shopping Centre, and other facilities within Century City.

Pedestrian links exist across the N1, at the Atlantis line rail bridge, and at the Sable Road bridge across the N1. These link to the nearest existing rail station, Acacia Park on the Monte Vista line and through Kensington to Mutual station on the Bellville line.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 3

External pedestrian routes to Century City also take place along all the major road links into the area, i.e. notably along Ratanga Road and Century Avenue. Relatively limited pedestrian activity occurs along Century Boulevard in the vicinity of Canal Walk.

Existing public transport related infrastructure at Century City is depicted in Figure 3.1.

2.2 EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES & DEMAND

2.2.1 External Services

Rail

While Century City is relatively well served by physical rail infrastructure in its vicinity, only the Monte Vista line carries passengers services, and are provided at relatively low service levels (frequencies). The Atlantis and Harbour lines are unelectrified lines serving freight trains only.

The frequency of service along the Monte Vista line is considerably lower than along the parallel service in this corridor along the Bellville line. There are 28 scheduled trains on a daily basis, per direction, running along the line. In peak hours, 4 to 5 trains are scheduled in the peak direction of travel. By comparison, the Bellville line accommodates an estimated 78 daily trains per direction, with 7 to 8 peak directional trains in the peak hours. The services along the Monte Vista line have, although provided at lower frequencies, for some years now been underutilised relative to other main lines. The Western Cape Regional Rail Plan (Ref 2) notes that “coach utilisation along this line is relatively low and reflects the general trend of reducing rail patronage from the more affluent areas within the metropole”.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians access Century City mainly from the south, predominantly via Acacia Park station. The location of this station, as the only station within a reasonable walking distance from Century City, is however not ideal as it is circuitous and inconvenient to use. From the station, pedestrians walk along the access road to the Metrorail signal control centre on the perimeter of Acacia Park Village. They then cross the N1 via the Atlantis line bridge. Approximately 50% of the pedestrians are destined for Century City, the remainder Montague Gardens.

Pedestrians from residential areas to south, e.g. Kensington, access Century City mainly via the Sable Road bridge across the N1.

Bus

External bus services are all provided by Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS). Buses serve Century City via two gateways, i.e. Ratanga Road and Bosmansdam Road, at each of which approximately an equal number of passengers are dropped off (± 1 000/ day). All bus passengers, including those dropped off on Bosmansdam Road, depart from Ratanga PTI.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 4

• Ratanga PTI

The majority of buses destined for Ratanga PTI approach Ratanga Road from Bosmansdam Road, which links with Koeberg Road to the west and the N7 (and Vanguard Drive) to the east, while some access from Sable Road which links with the N1 in the east. Their return trips follow the same routes. The two major origin/ destination points for bus commuters are Mitchell’s Plain (44%) and Khayelitsha (42%). Other origin/ destinations are Cape Town, Elsies River, Hanover Park, Nyanga, Delft and Atlantis.

• Bosmansdam Road

The recent CCPOA survey counted 127 GABS buses dropping off 620 Century City bound passengers in Bosmansdam Road in the AM peak period (06h30 - 09h00).

Minibus-Taxis

The survey counted a total of ± 2 000 passengers bound for Century City served by minibus-taxi’s on a daily basis, all dropped off at or adjacent to Ratanga PTI. A significant proportion of these (40%), get dropped off illegally along Ratanga Road. However, all boardings take place at the interchange itself.

Routes to and from the Ratanga PTI include Mitchell’s Plain, Khayelitsha, Maitland and Koeberg rail stations, Goodwood, Elsies River, Bellville, Nyanga, Gugulethu and Langa. Passengers picked up or dropped off at the rail stations undertake part of their trip by train.

Tour Coaches & Metered Taxis

Tour coaches (and micro-buses) are used by a significant number of overseas as well as local visitors to access Century City, mainly Canal Walk. There is also a demand for metered taxis generated by the existing hotels and timeshare facilities within Century City. These activities are likely to increase as more of these types of facilities are introduced into Century City. Metered taxis also operate to and from Canal Walk.

Trip Origins & Destinations

The origins of commuter trips attracted to Century City is illustrated by mode in figures received from the City of Cape Town (based on 2007 data), as part of its review of the metropolitan transport model. The schematic figures of public transport trip origins by transport zone are indicated in Figures 2.1 & 2.2 overleaf.

General Observations

The public transport passenger movements are highly tidal, in that the large majority of passengers (by bus and taxi) get dropped off (alight) during the AM peak period, and get picked up (board) during the PM peak period. This is primarily due to the majority of external public transport users being commuters accessing Century City mainly for work purposes. They therefore use the services during the times that broadly correspond with the opening and closing times of shops and offices.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 5

FIGURE 2.1 : 2007 BUS & TAXI COMMUTER TRIPS TO CENTURY CITY (AM PEAK PERIOD)

FIGURE 2.2 : 2007 RAIL COMMUTER TRIPS TO CENTURY CITY (AM PEAK PERIOD)

Source : City of Cape Town (Emme/3 Transport Model)

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 6

Inter-peak services are less frequent due to the drop-off in demand. However, especially taxi services are very demand responsive, and should the need for public transport services during these periods increase, they would be well positioned to increase the number of inter-peak trips.

2.2.2 Shuttle Services

Internal shuttle services are routed along Century Way, Century Boulevard and Century Avenue, between Ratanga PTI and the Shell service station as the major southern and northern boarding and alighting points respectively. Stops are located at regular intervals along the way, i.e. Ratanga Junction, Canal Walk, and at the major office precincts (Knowledge Park, Century Square, etc.). The recent survey has confirmed that the majority of trips take place to and from Canal Walk (e.g. shop assistants) but that an increasing number of passengers are using the stops on Century Boulevard (office workers).

Use of the shuttle is very dependent on weather conditions, mainly at Ratanga PTI. On rainy days, a dramatic increase in shuttle use occur, as passengers are less willing to walk between the PTI and their destinations. The walkways are mostly not under cover. Virtually all public transport passengers dropped off on Bosmansdam Road transfer to shuttle at the Shell service station, with demand at this point therefore being largely independent of weather conditions.

The shuttle service levels are generally high, with headways between 7 and 10 minutes during peak hours, and on average 15 minutes during the inter- and off-peak periods.

There is a maximum of four buses in service (during peak periods), and run from 06h00 to 22h00. During peak hours, the capacity of the service is at minimum 440 persons per direction (6 buses/hr; capacity per bus of 74 persons). The service is currently well utilised, and carries around 3 000 passengers/ day, or ± 90 000 per month. Ridership growth since 2005 was substantial, when it carried around 2 000 passengers/ day (or ± 60 000 per month). This increased by more than 20% per year up to 2007, and has remained fairly constant in the past year into 2008.

The operator of the shuttle service is Elwierda (Stell) (Pty) Ltd. A formal agreement exists between the Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA) and Elwierda, which sets out the terms of the service provided and is renegotiated on a yearly basis.

The bus fleet has recently been upgraded, with new branding and seats, and a new ticket system with monthly tickets issued at a discounted price. The latter has speeded up boarding times and has enabled the service to run more efficiently.

The increase in shuttle use over the 2005 to 2007 period is likely as a result of a number of factors. Firstly, the increase in especially office developments at Century City has increased the pool of potential public transport users. Secondly, there may have been a modal shift towards public transport, i.e. people previously travelling by car moving to bus or taxi, for financial reasons. Thirdly, the improvement in shuttle service quality and discounted tickets for regular users have made the shuttles more attractive.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 7

2.2.3 Public Transport & Shuttle Trip Rates

In HHO Africa’s 2006 report on the internal shuttle service operation, public transport trip rates were derived for the shuttle service. This has been revised based on the latest ridership figures. A generalised external public transport trip rate has also been estimated.

Focusing on retail and office land use categories, the trip rates were derived for the AM peak hour and are indicated in Table 2.1. The public transport data was collected in June 2008 under the auspices of the Century City Property Owners’ Association.

TABLE 2.1 : CENTURY CITY INTERNAL & EXTERNAL PEAK HOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEMAND & TRIP RATES

Shuttle Demand External Public Transport Demand (Persons) Land Floor Use Area (m2 Shuttle Shuttle Bus Taxi Rail/ Public GLA)1 (Person) Trip Trip Trip Walk Total Transport Trips Rate2 Ends Ends Trips Trip Rate2

Retail 142 316 332 0.23 - - - - -

Office 205 490 355 0.17 - - - - -

Total 347 806 687 0.20 492 540 308 1 340 0.39 Notes 1 : GLA for Retail = Total Floor Area (TFA) x 0.85, for Office GLA = TFA. Canal W alk offices (10 600m2) considered as Retail for the purpose of determining trip rates. 2 : Passenger trips/ hour/ 100m2 GLA.

The increased use of the shuttle service is reflected in the higher trip rates derived for retail, and especially the office components. Based on 2005 data, the estimated trip rates were 0.17 trips/ 100m22 for retail, and 0.09 trips/ 100m for office (combined rate of 0.14 trips/ 100m2). With the increase in shuttle use, the current (2008) combined shuttle trip rate for retail and office land uses, is estimated at 0.20 trips/ 100m2.

Total demand for external public transport services is higher than that of the shuttle, with the difference being those choosing to walk to their destinations after being dropped off by either bus or taxi, and the rail commuters disembarking at Acacia Park station and walking across the N1. If the rail commuters are excluded, the public transport trip rate is an estimated 0.30. On wet weather days the shuttle, and bus & taxi passenger trips (and their rates) corresponded more closely, as fewer people walk to their final destinations.

2.2.4 Comparative Modal Split Indicators

The utilisation of public transport services at Century City can be assessed relative to other major urban nodes of the same order in Cape Town, i.e. Claremont CBD and Tygervalley Shopping Centre. As indicated in Figure 2.3 overleaf, currently an estimated 22% of trips to and from Century City are public transport trips (18% bus &

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 8

taxi; 4% rail). This compares favourably with competing areas such as Tygervalley where 18% of trips are by public transport (bus & taxi). By comparison, a node such as Claremont which is served directly by rail (southern suburbs line) has a similar proportion by bus & taxi (19%), but a much larger proportion by rail (17%) compared to Century City. The latter is currently only served indirectly (via Acacia Station & Mutual Stations), from which pedestrian linkages are excessively long and indirect. When Century City station is introduced, it would be expected that a much larger proportion by rail would be realised.

FIGURE 2.3 : AM PEAK PERIOD COMPARATIVE MODAL SPLIT INDICATORS

Claremont Century City Tygervalley

Source : Based on data supplied by the City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town is currently busy updating their Current Public Transport Record (CPTR), incorporating the most recent public transport facility, services and ridership data in the City. They are due to publicise this data in the near future. It would then be possible to undertake a more detailed comparative evaluation of public transport service characteristics at the above, and other nodes.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 9

3.0 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROPOSALS

3.1 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT & RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE

The planned future external public transport, shuttle services and pedestrian facilities are discussed in this section, with reference to Figure 3.1 overleaf.

3.1.1 Passenger Rail Stations

There are two future rail stations planned in the immediate vicinity of Century City, which as noted in the previous section, is relatively well served by rail infrastructure, but not services. These are the proposed Century City (also known as Windermere) station on the Monte Vista line, and the future Summer Greens station on the Atlantis line. A third possible station is also indicated on the Harbour line, alongside Sable Road.

Century City Station

The detail planning for this station is well underway. The conceptual plan was completed as part of the investigation into the upgrading of the Atlantis line to provide a passenger service. It was seen as a important public transport facility serving Century City, the funding contribution for which by Rabie Property Group, as developers of Century City, forms part of the conditions of approval for future extensions to the development. A Memorandum of Understanding between Rabie Property Group and the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) was recently reached which led to the appointment of a team to design and construct the station. The station is earmarked for completion before the 2010 World Cup, and forms a key part of the transport operational plan for the event (as a park-and-ride and transfer station).

The future station would accommodate road-based public transport services (as transfer facilities), and would be linked by road to Century City via the planned extension of Sable Road into Frans Conradie Drive. A key element of the station is a pedestrian facility linking it to Century City (Refer to section below).

Summer Greens Station

Summer Greens station is indicated as the first station on the Atlantis line, 1.3km north of the Windermere junction (of Monte Vista, Harbour & Atlantis lines). It was initially intended to serve the Summer Greens township and the then proposed Montague Gardens residential area (on the present Century City site). With the advent of Century City, the station assumed a potentially more significant role in serving the large scale commercial activities on this site. Its location has been determined following a conceptual planning exercise as part of the Olympic Bid planning initiative (1997), taking into account its linkages with the Century City development and the Summer Greens suburb.

The station will become operational with the upgrading of the Atlantis line to provide a passenger service, and is planned as a potential turn-around station, with four rail lines.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008

“Sable Road” Station

A station has been notionally indicated on the Harbour line (currently a goods line) on the section parallel to Sable Road, on the southern edge of Century City. It is however unlikely that this line would be upgraded to provide a passenger service in the foreseeable future.

3.1.2 Bus Rapid Transit Proposals

A dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) facility is planned along the N1 corridor in the form of a busway, linking the Northern Suburbs with Cape Town. It is aligned along exclusive rights-of-way, but largely within the road reserve of the N1 (and in some sections along the Monte Vista line reserve). Stations are planned along the route at key junctions with intersecting roads. The busway is currently planned to run up to Sable Road, then along Frans Conradie Drive towards Bellville.

While the N1 busway is a longer term proposal, a number of primary (or trunk) BRT routes are planned to incorporate Century City into the Phase 1 network, due to be implemented in the short to medium term. These include routes between Century City and (i) Cape Town CBD via the R27 and Paarden Eiland rail siding; (ii) Bloubergstrand via Montague Gardens; and (iii) the Airport via N1 City. These routes are schematically indicated in the preliminary route network plans, which are included in Appendix A.

3.1.3 Transport Interchanges

The Ratanga PTI has recently been upgraded to provide separate facilities for external buses and taxis, as well as shuttle buses, and to improve waiting facilities and shelters.

A transport interchange accommodating buses and taxis has been planned alongside the future Summer Greens station. This would now also be the northern turn-around point for the internal shuttle service, and replace the facility currently in operation at the Shell service station. This facility is due to be put into operation in the near future, and would provide greater convenience and comfort to passengers.

For the new facility to operate effectively, some existing external services, notably Golden Arrow services on Bosmansdam Road, should be re-routed to the interchange via Century Avenue.

3.1.4 Shuttle Bus Routing and Stops

Whereas the current shuttle system follows a linear route between Ratanga and the Shell service station (soon to be Century Avenue PTI) via Century Boulevard and Century Avenue, future route options could include a circular route via the recently completed sections of Century Boulevard and Century Way ring road. This could become viable once developments along the route are completed and demand increases. It is however likely that the primary service would still be run on the existing route via Century Boulevard, as it serves Canal Walk which is the major destination of shuttle users.

Current iniatives regarding the shuttle service includes the possible introduction of new buses, in line with the airport shuttles currently in use. These vehicles are designed with two entry doors (in only), and one exit door, which further facilitates boarding and

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 12

alighting of passengers. A decision about its introduction would be reached in due course. An alternative option being considered is the refurbishment of existing buses, which includes creating more standing room. Although fewer seats would be provided, inconvenience to passengers would be minimised given the short shuttle distances.

3.1.5 Pedestrian Routes and Crossings

A pedestrian link is planned to connect the soon to be constructed Century City Station with Century City. The route alignment is currently being finalised, and is to extend between the station, via Sable Road bridge over the N1, underneath the Harbour rail line, and between Ratanga Junction and the Daimler Chrysler motor dealership.

A separate pedestrian link is also planned parallel to the Atlantis line bridge across the N1, to serve pedestrians walking between Acacia Park station, and Century City and Montague Gardens. It is due for completion in mid-2009.

3.2 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES

3.2.1 External Services

Rail

The Western Cape Regional Rail Plan (Ref 1) has identified the Kraaifontein - Bellville to Cape Town corridor, which includes both the Bellville and Monte Vista lines, as the highest priority corridor in the metropole for the upgrading of rail services. It is considered to have significant potential to divert commuters from private and other modes of public transport to rail, and that the key driver is the service level that rail offers. Short, medium and long term strategies are identified to achieve this goal, including the upgrading of (and construction of new) stations, improved access and interchange facilities, and increasing line capacity.

It should be noted that the Regional Rail Plan is conceived from a mode specific perspective, aimed at maximising the potential of rail. A multi-modal evaluation would result in rail being considered in competition with other modes in the public transport market, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Buses

External bus services currently provided exclusively by Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd (GABS), may be changed in favour of a new operating entity as part of the investigation into BRT service options for the City.

Taxis

Taxis could continue to perform both trunk and feeder services to and from Century City, to be determined by future public transport operational planning initiatives.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 13

3.2.2 Internal Services

Shuttle Services

The future growth in internal services would be a function of the extent of the development roll-out at Century City, a possible shift from private to public transport modes, and locations of parking areas relative to end destination points. The rapid growth in the demand for shuttle services between 2005 and 2007 (from 60 000 to 90 000 passengers/ month) is evidence of its growing popularity.

Service level agreements between the CCPOA and the shuttle service provider (Elwierda) are subject to review and updating on a regular basis. This ensures that the service is able to respond to changes in the operating environment.

BRT services

As discussed in the previous section, a preliminary route network for the first phase of the BRT network for Cape Town has been identified, of which Century City forms an integral part. The details of the interface points between the BRT services and Century City still needs be explored, but are likely to link closely with Ratanga PTI and Summer Greens station.

3.3 FUTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEMAND

3.3.1 Future Land Use Mix

In determining public transport demand and projecting into the future, the focus has been on retail and office land use components as the primary generators of public transport demand. Residential, entertainment related and hotel uses are considered to have marginal shares in public transport services demand. This could change into the future, as public transport services improve, and become a more attractive option than private motoring, which is likely to be subject to increasing cost pressures.

The future land use mix at Century City has been agreed as part of the conditions of approval for development on the site. Table 3.1 overleaf summarises the main land use components of retail, office and residential in terms of total allowance, approved to date, and utilised to date.

Approximately 48% of the total future allowable retail bulk is still available for use, and while the major allocation of office use has been approved, just over a third (37%) of it is actually in use. Current combined retail and office utilisation is an estimated 42% of total potential bulk available.

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TABLE 3.1 : PEAK HOUR GENERATING BULK ALLOCATION AT CENTURY CITY

Peak Hour Generating Bulk : TFA (m21)

Land Use 2008 Balance Available for Total Bulk Bulk Allocation In Use2 Use Approved

Retail 179 328 154 960 52% 144 760 48% 299 720

Office 356 943 216 090 37% 375 090 63% 591 180

Sub-Total 536 271 371 050 42% 519 850 58% 890 900

Residential 211 400 96 800 31% 214 200 69% 311 000

Hotels 24 915 12 458 23% 42 543 77% 55 000

Total 772 586 480 308 38% 776 592 62% 1 256 900 Notes : 1: Bulk approved as Total Floor Area (TFA), Gross Leasable Area (GLA) for retail = TFA x 0.85 2 : Bulk estimated to be utilised (i.e. generating trips) as of July 2008.

Source : Century City Allocation of Bulk as at May 2008, Planning Partners

3.3.2 External Public Transport Demand Projections

The following indicators point to potential future public transport use at Century City:

• Proportion of retail & office bulk utilised : 42% • Existing mode split (% by public transport) : 20% (residential 0%) • Target mode split : 50% (residential 30%) • Future public transport mode shares : rail 40%; bus 30%; taxi 30% (residential : rail 30%; bus 60%; taxi 10%)

TABLE 3.2 : PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEMAND FORECASTS

Mode Split AM Peak Hour AM Peak Scenarios (% by public Period transport) Rail Taxi Bus Total

Existing public 20% 2 794 308 540 492 1 3401 transport demand

Potential existing public transport 50% 6 985 1 397 1 048 1 048 3 493 demand

Potential future full development public 50% 16 630 3 326 2 495 2 495 8 316 transport demand

As above, including 48% 18216 3 564 2 971 2 574 9 109 residential Note : 1 : See Table 2.1

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 15

The following should be noted :

• The potential public transport demand at Century City is significant, both in terms of a potential shift from private to public transport modes, and future growth as a result of development roll-out.

• Improvements in public transport services in the form of new rail stations (Century City station in the short term, and Summer Greens station in the longer term), and the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, should substantially assist in shifting public transport mode share towards the target (50%).

• Based on the targeted public transport mode share, public transport demand at Century City, (related to only office and retail land uses), could potentially show a sixfold increase.

• If local residents potentially using public transport were included, albeit with a smaller public transport share (30%), public transport ridership could increase by a factor of close to seven.

3.3.3 Shuttle Demand Projections

Future shuttle service demand at Century City is a function of improved external public transport mode share, its ability to attract new users, and new developments at Century City. If per illustration existing public transport demand remains constant, but the shuttle service manages to attract 50% of the remaining market, its trip rate would increase to 0.25 hourly trips/100m21 (0.20 + 0.5 x (0.30 - 0.20)) , which would increase its average daily patronage from 3 000 to ± 3 600. Potential future demand, with 58% of potential retail and office space still available at Century City, would increase from this base to a daily demand of ± 8 600 trips.

As noted above, the proposed rail stations as well as the BRT system should attract significant new ridership to Century City, with the shuttle service providing a feeder and distribution service throughout the development. The distribution of demand along the route should also change as pedestrians crossing from Century City station require to be picked up on Century Boulevard.

Finally, the current shuttle demand profile and projections above are correlated only with external public transport users. The shuttle service could in addition attract residents within the Century City complex, as well as workers needing to park their vehicles in remote sites. This will further boost potential shuttle demand.

Existing shuttle trip rate = 0.20 passengers/hr/100m21 ; existing external public transport trip rate (bus & taxi only) = 0.30 passengers/hr/100m 2 (Refer to Section 2.2.3)

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 16

4.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS

• Century City is well served by external public transport services, mainly buses and minibus-taxis, and to a lesser extent, rail.

• The internal shuttle service operating between Ratanga PTI and the Shell service station is well established, and has become a popular mode for workers accessing their places of work via the transport interchanges.

• The major points of origin for taxi and especially bus services are Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha. Others points of origin for buses are Cape Town, Elsies River, Hanover Park, Delft and Nyanga and Atlantis; and for taxis are Maitland and Koeberg rail stations, and Goodwood, Elsies River, Bellville, Nyanga, Gugulethu and Langa.

• Public transport passenger movements are highly tidal, in that the large majority of passengers are dropped off during the AM peak period, and are picked up during the PM peak period. The majority of external public transport users are commuters accessing Century City mainly for work purposes.

• The shuttle service performance levels are generally high, with headways between 7 and 10 minutes during peak hours, and on average 15 minutes during the inter- and off-peak periods. The service is well utilised, and carries around 3 000 passengers/ day, or ± 90 000 per month. Ridership growth since 2005 was substantial, when its carried around 2 000 passengers/ day (or ± 60 000 per month).

• The increase in shuttle use over the above period (2005 - 2008) is likely due to a combination of factors, including the increase in office developments at Century City, the improvements in shuttle service quality and discounted tickets for regular users, as well as a possible shift towards public transport due to financial constraints.

• With the increase in shuttle use, the current (2008) combined shuttle trip rate for retail and office land uses, is estimated at 0.20 trips/ 100m2, up from an estimated 0.14 trips/ 100m2 in 2005.

• There is currently demand for tour coaches and metered taxis generated by Canal Walk and the existing hotels and timeshare facilities within Century City. These activities are likely to increase as more accommodation facilities are introduced into Century City.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 17

• The detail planning for Century City station on the Monte Vista rail line is underway, and is earmarked for completion before the 2010 World Cup. It forms a key part of the transport operational plan for the event (as a park-and-ride and transfer station). Summer Greens station is indicated as the first station on the Atlantis line, and will become operational with the upgrading of the Atlantis line to provide a passenger service in the longer term.

• A dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) facility is planned along the N1 corridor, linking the Northern Suburbs with Cape Town. In the shorter term, the preliminary BRT network for Phase 1 of the project links Century City via trunk routes with a number of high order destinations such as Cape Town CBD, the Airport and Bloubergstrand.

• The Century Avenue PTI is virtually complete, and would replace the Shell service station transfer facility. It is due to be opened for services in the near future.

• Whereas the shuttle service follows a linear route between Ratanga and the Shell service station via Century Boulevard and Century Avenue, future route options could include a circular route via the recently completed sections of Century Boulevard and Century Way ring road.

• Current iniatives regarding the shuttle service includes the possible introduction of new buses, in line with the airport shuttles currently in use. An alternative option being considered is the refurbishment of existing buses, which includes creating more standing room.

• Two pedestrian links are currently planned across the N1, linking Century City with the existing Acacia Park and proposed Century City stations on the Monte Vista rail line, and residential areas to the south.

• The Kraaifontein - Bellville to Cape Town corridor, which includes both the Bellville and Monte Vista lines, has been identified as the highest priority corridor in the metropole for the upgrading of rail services. A multi-modal evaluation of a range of modes will however result in rail being considered in competition with other modes in the public transport market, such as BRT.

• In terms of the land use bulk allocation at Century City, ± 58% of the total future allowable retail and office bulk is still available for use, including approved but yet unutilised bulk. This provides an indication of the potential for growth in public transport demand, and services provision.

• Based on a targeted public transport mode share at Century City of 50% (currently 20%), public transport demand at a fully developed Century City could potentially show a sixfold increase, and a close to sevenfold increase if potential public transport use by local residents is also considered.

This report has found that both the external and internal public transport services in Century City are well established, yet have the potential to grow significantly as major public transport infrastructure projects are implemented in the short term, and new developments at Century City continue to come on stream.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 18

5.0 REFERENCES

1. Century City Internal Public Transport Distribution Network and Service Investigation, prepared for Century City Property Owners’ Association by HHO Africa. Cape Town. November 2005.

2. The Western Cape Regional Rail Plan (First Draft), prepared for the South African Rail Commuter Corporation by Arcus Gibb. Cape Town. June 2006.

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 APPENDIX A

A1 : BUS RAPID TRANSIT PRELIMINARY ROUTE NETWORK : PHASE 1A

A2 : BUS RAPID TRANSIT PRELIMINARY ROUTE NETWORK : PHASE 1

Century City Public Transport Services Assessment (2008) HHO Africa Century City Property Owners’ Association & Rabie Property Group October 2008 # Mamre BRT_Phase1A

# Atlantis

# Du Noon

# Durbanville

V&A Waterfront Century City "

# Sea Point

# Camps Bay # Airport

# Constantia BRT_Phase1 # Mamre

# Atlantis

#Du Noon # Durbanville

# V&A Waterfront Century City "

#Sea Point

# Camps Bay #Airport

# Constantia

# Helderberg