The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) completed the tender process to appoint a managing service provider to operate the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange (JITI) on July 30, and is running a 60-day public participation process until the end of October.

This provides members of the public and stakeholders with an opportunity to comment on the proposed JITI contract. Once the required processes have been completed, the JITI is expected to start operations before the end of this year.

An operational JITI will provide a modern, world-class transport and economic hub for residents, commuters, businesses and long-distance travellers, the CoJ says.

The JITI transport facility is envisioned as a major gateway into Johannesburg and a catalyst for economic growth, by connecting the city with destinations across South Africa and the region through long-distance and cross-border transport services.

CoJ agency the Johannesburg Development Agency, which completed the construction on behalf of the CoJ Transport Department, says the JITI will be a 50 000 m² international long-distance and cross-border transport hub.

The facility forms part of the city’s broader commitment to developing resilient, sustainable and liveable urban areas, with investment focused on strategic transport nodes and corridors.

It will have modern infrastructure, integrated transport services, commercial opportunities and commuter-focused facilities. JITI will become an important component of Johannesburg’s public transport network and a key gateway for regional and international travellers, the city says.

The facility will provide 169 trading stalls, which will create opportunities for small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) and formal and informal traders to participate in the economic activity generated by the interchange.

The JITI will also support the creation of employment opportunities in security, cleaning, maintenance, administration, facility management and other supporting services.

“The JITI represents a significant step forward in transforming Johannesburg’s long-distance and cross-border transport landscape. We are creating a platform that connects people, facilitates trade, supports SMMEs and unlocks new economic opportunities,” says CoJ Transport Department executive director Lutando Maboza.

The CoJ is firmly focused on completing the remaining statutory processes and ensuring the JITI is operational before the end of the year.

The city’s objective is to deliver a safe, efficient, modern and commuter-focused facility that strengthens Johannesburg’s position as a leading regional transport and economic hub, he says.

“The JITI is an important investment in the future of Johannesburg. It brings together mobility, commerce and economic opportunity in one modern facility,” says CoJ Transport MMC Kenny Kunene.

The city is focused on completing the remaining processes so that residents, commuters, businesses and long-distance travellers can benefit from this development, he says.

The city will keep residents, businesses and stakeholders informed as further progress is made.