The City of Cape Town’s aim of creating “A better life for all” includes improving access to opportunities for all communities. This is supported by a policy which supports safer and higher-quality public transport services - at a greater quantity.

The new Integrated Rapid Transport system provides a transport solution to areas that were previously without a rail service. Metrorail’s new high-quality express services and upgraded and extended rail fleet complement this.

Access to the public transport system is very important to ensure that people can transfer seamlessly from smaller feeder modes to larger bulk carriers. The aim of Park-And-Ride is to improve public transport interchanges so that more private-car users are encouraged to switch to rail for their journey into the central business district. Such a switch will reduce road congestion and the associated air pollution, and will ensure safer commuting for many.

In order to achieve this aim, Park-And-Ride focuses on making rail station precincts:

• safe
  
• clean
  
• attractive
  
• comfortable
  
• cost-effective
  
• efficient
  
• multi-functional
  
  

The City allocated a budget of R47 million for the extension and upgrade of stations in order to prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, but also as a lasting transport legacy after the event. Twenty six stations were selected throughout the metropolitan area for further evaluation.

The focus is on parking for cars, but other modes are also accommodated, including walking and cycling, as well as feeder services and drop-and-go (kiss-and-ride) facilities. The possibility of incorporating the station precinct into the broader urban environment is an important consideration for each upgrade.

The following upgrades have taken place: