R400 million spent on a transport hub in Johannesburg which remains unused

The City of Johannesburg is accused of an unjustified delay in handing over the R400 million Johannesburg International Transport Interchange (JITI).

Johannesburg councillor Mpumi Edward, ActionSA Joburg MMC Candidate for Finance, said it will take the matter to the Public Protector.

She said that the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange was conceived as a central hub for long-distance and cross-border buses.

It will also support minibus taxis, retail activities, and commuter facilities, improve transport integration, reduce congestion, and support inner-city rejuvenation.

This world-class facility, which came at a cost of R400 million, was designed to include approximately 50,000 square meters of floor space.

The facility will host retail facilities, banks, ticket offices, food courts, informal trading areas, space for 648 taxis, and bays for 20 buses.

It is situated to link commuters to the broader Park Station network, including Gautrain, Metrorail, Rea Vaya BRT, local taxi networks, and municipal buses.

To ensure the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange is secure, it will have CCTV and access control systems.

Construction began in 2016, and it was completed and unveiled by the City of Johannesburg in October 2021.

Despite its formal launch, the interchange has experienced operational delays and underutilization, leaving it largely vacant.

This was caused by disputes with intercity bus operators and taxi associations, as well as lingering leasing and management issues.

“We cannot continue to have completed facilities that remain idle while there is a great need to utilise them,” said Edward.

She said the delay was due to a lack of political will in the Johannesburg Government of Local Unity (GLU) administration led by Mayor Dada Morero.

“Instead of prioritising service delivery, this administration is embroiled in a power struggle to the detriment of more than 6 million residents,” she said.

“It cannot be correct that a city that is struggling to generate revenue neglects facilities that could assist in improving revenue collection.”