CAPE TOWN STATION REVAMP

Posted on 02 October 2009 by Railways Africa Editor

On 17 June, the following was included on www.railwaysafrica.com (CPT station Revamp, Cape Town Station Upgrade ):
Cape Town’s main station is being transformed into a “world-class transport and tourism hub,” according to key project people quoted in the press. “Phases 1 and 2 of the multi-million revamp, including the upgrading of the Strand and Adderley Street retail and food court, is fast nearing completion…. Altogether, the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup will leave a R8.5 billion transport infrastructure legacy in the city.”

Among comments posted, Chanelle wrote:

“I’m very impressed that the Cape Town station is being upgraded – [but there is] just one problem with the work:

“So many of us make use of it, elderly people, ladies that have to have a corporate look (high heels) and I’m one of them. What were you thinking when you decided on those TILES, surely you are not users of the station. Can you imagine how severely you can injure yourself there. Is there a possibility that you can somehow sandpaper those tiles to give the floor a rough look? Just take a walk through the station in peak hours and see for yourself how people are running to make their train in time, to get home to their families.”

Two further comments have been posted on www.railwaysafrica.com :

Kathy Collins writes:

“I agree with Chanelle – those tiles are a death trap even for the young, never mind the older generation. Something should be done about them otherwise Metrorail or whoever is responsible will be sued left, right and centre”.

Fernando concurs:

“I totally agree with Chanelle’s reply. It is a very bad idea to be laying down tiles like that. In wet weather it could really hurt someone, people will be slipping and sliding all over the place. I now live in the UK, but had just recently returned from Cape Town and one of my visits was to the station as I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. It looks amazing I must say and can’t wait for the work to be completed as I know it will be a world-class station for Capetonians. Please, just do one thing though, give those tiles a rough look, please.