2010 transport plans on track in Joburg

Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg unveiled a comprehensive transport plan aimed at encouraging local and international soccer fans to use public transport during the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament.
The City's executive mayor, Amos Masondo, said they were on track and ready to host the World Cup.
"The City is ready to welcome all spectators and visitors and we want to encourage everyone to use public transport," he said.
Masondo made it clear that no private vehicles would be allowed within the stadium precincts.
He said people with valid, official tickets for matches would be admitted to the immediate surrounding areas.
"These areas will only be accessible for designated public transport, emergency and VIP vehicles displaying a special permit," he said.
According to the plan, Metrorail will be transporting fans to their event and ordinary commuter service. On match days, extra trains will be provided to run from the Westgate Transport Hub to Soccer City.
Match ticket holders will board trains free to the games.
Metrobuses will run on match days from the Sandton Transport Hub to Westgate Transport Hub.
These buses will run every 10 minutes and will stop at various routes while still in the Sandton area to pick up fans.
The buses will be picking up fans along the route in the Sandton area.
However, there are three fare options for these services, which are R20 one way to the Westgate Transport Hub; R40 return from the Westgate Transport Hub and R50 return to the Westgate Transport Hub including the Rea Vaya ticket.
These tickets can be purchased cash on the buses.
Sibongile Mazibuko, from the City's 2010 FIFA World Cup unit said the Gautrain will be running from OR Tambo to Sandton station every day.
She said fans will be able to catch the easy transport option from the airport to Sandton where they can connect to the Sandton Metrobus Transport Service to Westgate.
Mazibuko said the trip from OR Tambo to Sandton with the Gautrain will take 15 minutes.
"There will be bus services running from the OR Tambo International to Sandton on a daily basis, as well as from the OR Tambo International to Westgate on match days.
"Gautrain will also run services from OR Tambo to Sandton. There will also be a service running from Lanseria Airport to Sandton and back," she said.
Johannesburg is the only host city that will provide two match venues, Coca-Cola Park and Soccer City and will also host a total of 15 matches, including the opening and final matches.
Masondo said he was looking forward to traveling to the games safely and in style using public transport.
"We are confident that everything will go well. Together we will deliver the best-ever World Cup experience," he said. [src: BuaNews / Nthambeleni Gabara]

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