The City of Cape Town’s Transport Network Technology branch is activating a revolutionary reversible MyCiTi bus lane along the R27 between Loxton Road and Broad Road in Milnerton.
This exclusive bus lane will cater to inbound traffic towards the Civic Centre in the morning and outbound traffic towards Table View in the afternoon, optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion.
Innovative Technology for Efficient Traffic Management
The alternating direction of the bus lane will be meticulously controlled and monitored by a cutting-edge technological system designed and implemented by city officials.
Digital notice boards will clearly indicate “OPEN” or “CLOSED,” guiding bus drivers and other road users.
Due to space limitations, constructing a dual carriageway system between Loxton Road and Broad Road was not feasible.
Consequently, the single lane has been exclusively used by buses traveling towards the Cape Town central business district (CBD). However, the new alternating direction system will revolutionize this usage.
Flexible Operating Hours for Enhanced Commuting
The system will allow buses to utilize the red lane towards the Cape Town CBD from 00:05 to 12:00 daily. After a brief closure between 12:00 and 13:00, the lane will reopen at 13:00 for buses traveling in the opposite direction, from the Cape Town CBD to Blaauwberg, until midnight.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of the reversible bus lane, two thermal AI cameras have been installed at its entrances.
These cameras will detect unauthorized vehicles and other potential issues. Additionally, a custom bus lane dashboard at the Transport Management Centre (TMC) will allow operators to monitor the lane in real-time.
Real-Time Monitoring and Incident Response
In the event of any detected problems, such as a bus stopping within the lane, both red bus lane signs will switch to “CLOSED,” and an alarm will be raised at the TMC.
Operators will then assess the situation via CCTV and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic.
Rob Quintas, the Urban Mobility MMC, highlights the project’s innovative approach to maximizing the existing road network’s capacity and prioritizing public transport users.
By the end of June, the city aims to have the reversible bus lane fully operational, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the MyCiTi bus service for commuters.