Revitalization of Public Transport Modes as a Transformative Approach to Promote Transit-Oriented Developments: A Case Study of Burgersfort Town, Limpopo

Abstract

This study seeks to revitalize the public transport modes in Burgersfort to align with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Burgersfort is in Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality within the Sekhukhune District Municipality, and it is regarded as the municipal provincial growth point. The aim of this study is to assess the existing urban design tools, evaluate their impact and to utilize urban design knowledge to address the gaps. The problem statement reflected gaps especially in traffic congestion and disfunction public transport facilities. This research methodology involved undertaking interviews and 20 participants were interviewed including the public transport rank associatiation, public transport operators , street traders and officials from the municipality. The findings reflected a huge necessity for government and other institutions to play a role in transforming spaces which are feasible to be aligned with TOD. The study reviewed literature related to revitalization of modes of public transport which will be relevant to the study. The new urbanism and Transit-Oriented Development theory were reviewed evaluate relevant principles to this study. The study considered precedent studies, and the findings divulged a huge gap as compared to Burgersfort town. The detailed site analysis exposed few challenges relating to inadequacy of Non- Motorised Transport and effective integrated public transport systems. The identified gaps was evaluated to guide on the development proposals. This study introduced key principles and strategies to guide on the suitable approach in transforming Burgersfort into TOD with higher prioritization of public transport. The study proposed public transport interchange and supporting facilities such as public transport parkade to arrest the current challenge of inadequate parking spaces. This study further proposed a public transport route on the eastern side of the study area mainly to integrate and centralise public transport services. Lastly, this study recommends mixed use development and densification especially in the CBD.