Transport interchanges – mode or node?

Abstract

Paper presented at the 26th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 9 - 12 July 2007 "The challenges of implementing policy?", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. ABSTRACT:This paper argues firstly that the success of major public transport initiatives will depend as much on the extent to which the station/interchange nodes are integrated with their surrounding urban environment and culture, as on any intrinsic efficiency in the transport mode. This point is developed by reference to arguments first articulated in the Gautrain Integration Report on which Andrew Marsay worked. The paper goes on to argue that effective integration requires the creative blending of transport functionality with property development opportunities at public transport nodes. This objective, in turn, requires the development of institutional frameworks that articulate the aspirations of both public and private sector stakeholders at urban transport nodes. The point is made by reference to the Gauteng Transport Precincts Initiative to which both authors contributed. The institutional context of this initiative together with the design principles that it contains are described. Finally, the theme is illustrated by reference to some projects in England in which Leszek Dobrovolsky was involved. These show how transport interchanges became catalysts for urban regeneration and successful commercial opportunity. Examples include stations on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Euston Station and St. Pancras Station. Relevant lessons are then referred back to South Africa.