The GO!Durban project has started its roll-out, with a number of major milestones to be reached in the first quarter of 2014, said the eThekwini council in a statement released on Sunday.

The project will provide “a fully integrated rapid public transport network for the people of eThekwini”.

Construction contracts to the value of R3-billion will be awarded shortly, noted the city.

These contracts are for the C3 (Pinetown to Bridge City) corridor.

Tenders for construction on corridors C1 (Bridge City to the central business district) and C9 (Bridge City to Umhlanga) are scheduled to be advertised before the end of the financial year.

Tenders for an integrated fare management service and intelligent transport system have already been advertised, and should be awarded by May.

The start of construction and engagement with community stakeholders, businesses and the eThekwini citizens, as well as the launch of a mobile marketing bus, are key activities for the project in early 2014, noted the metro.

“The roll-out of GO!Durban is based on a wall-to-wall plan, which details a network of nine trunk corridors, supported by feeder and complementary services covering the whole city, with different modes of public transport (rail, bus and taxi) integrated to provide seamless, efficient and affordable service.

“Phase 1, which consists of C1, C2 (Bridge City to Umlazi – rail), C3 and C9 corridors, is planned for completion by 2018.”

The Phase 1 network will accommodate around 25% of the city’s public transport demand on corridors C1, C3 and C9, with a further 40% being accommodated on the C2 rail corridor, as part of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s implementation plans.

“This approach ensures a recognisable benefit to the maximum number of users in the shortest period of time,” noted the council.

The C3 corridor will see construction of dedicated median bus lanes, as well as platforms for transfer stations, which will be built under a separate contract.

On some sections of the corridor, such as through the Pinetown central business district, the road will be rehabilitated, strengthened and widened, as necessary, and current traffic problems in the area addressed, promises the council.

“The commencement of construction activities will also mark the start of the implementation of the GO!Durban Empowerment Charter, which promotes participation of priority business entities in all contracts, subcontracting to local contractors, and sourcing of materials from local suppliers.

“The charter also promotes the utilisation of local unskilled labour, skills development, employment of unemployed graduates, and corporate social investment.”