Century City station: A dream deferred, plagued by crime and neglect

Fifteen years after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, residents say the would-be “world-class” Century City station is a far cry from its vision of a major park-and-ride hub, but a forgotten dream, overtaken by crime. 

Launched in collaboration with the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa), Transnet and the City of Cape Town, the station was even rocked by the murder of six women in 2014, believed to have been attacked while crossing the undeveloped Transnet land that separates the station from the residential area.

The Kensington Factreton Residents and Ratepayers Residents Association (Kenfac) say the promise to complete the station has not materialised and the area is also plagued by massive potholes and damaged infrastructure.

They said despite numerous engagements with stakeholders like Prasa, Transnet Properties, and law enforcement, promises have been unfulfilled, and no meaningful improvements have occurred.

They added that the "Nation's 2010 dream" has become a community nightmare.

In a statement shared with the Cape Argus, Kenfac chairperson, Leslie John Swartz, said the station was supposed to be the link between motorists and pedestrians to improve public safety and transport, but that has not happened.

“We are writing on behalf of our community to express our growing frustration over the long-standing and unmet promise to complete the park-and-ride facility at the Century City station,” he said.

“What was once presented as a vital infrastructure project to ease congestion and support pedestrian and commuter needs has sadly turned into yet another example of broken promises.

“This facility was intended to serve as a critical link for both drivers and pedestrians, offering much-needed parking and improving access to public transport. 

“Without it, many of us are left navigating unsafe or impractical alternatives daily.

"The result is increased traffic, pedestrian risks, and growing disillusionment among residents who were assured that this investment would be delivered.

“Despite multiple announcements and timelines given over the years, we have seen little to no progress. What’s worse, there has been minimal transparency or communication about the reasons for the delay, let alone a clear plan for completion.”

Swartz said they felt ignored by authorities: “Our community deserves answer and more importantly, action. We urge you to help bring this issue to light by investigating and reporting on the status of the Century City park-and-ride project.”

In response to the grievances, Zinobulani Mihi, Prasa acting spokesperson, said they were aware of concerns raised.

She said they would be communicating with the association and asked that they provide key points for a scheduled meeting.

A year ago, residents wrote to Prasa, calling for an urgent intervention following a spate of robberies at the train station.

They said at least five people were robbed daily and that school children’s cellphones were stolen by criminals.

Earlier, ward councillor, Cheslyn Steenberg said they had meetings with Prasa’s regional manager and that nothing had materialised.

City mayco member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, said "Should Transnet be open to the establishment of the facility, and provide the necessary permissions and funding required, the City of Cape Town would be very willing to work collaboratively to design and deliver the proposed park-and-ride."

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Cape Argus