Bus rapid transit oriented approach to land use change: a case of Hatfield

Sikhwari, Mashudu

Bus rapid transit oriented approach to land use change: a case of Hatfield

Thesis / Dissertation

2025

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Construction Economics and Management

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Abstract

The post-apartheid administration of South Africa inherited a disjointed and sprawling urban land use pattern amid the pressures of growing urbanisation. The current urbanisation rate significantly exceeds urban planning agencies' capacity to supply infrastructure for a burgeoning population, hence intensifying sprawl. In search of solutions, drawing from literature and examples from other emerging economies, the South African government advocates for the implementation of Transit Orientated Development (TOD) by leveraging existing investments in mass public transit, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services. TOD promises a global shift from sprawling, fragmented cities to compact, inclusive mixed-use projects. The City of Tshwane Integrated Development Plan (IDP) stipulates utilizing the A Re Yeng BRT service as a catalyst for TOD-led land use change. This research explores how the A Re Yeng BRT system serves as a catalyst for land use change in Hatfield. A literature review was conducted to shed light on the key concepts of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and Land Use Change. Qualitative data was collected from multiple sources, including archival records, direct observations by the researcher, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The research found that the exemplary BRT-oriented development (BRTOD) land use change patterns and characteristics are present in Hatfield. However, no evidence could be found which suggests that the BRT system serves as the catalyst for these land use changes. Insights from the data collected suggest that other external forces, such as the University of Pretoria and the Gautrain, serve as stronger catalysts. The A Re Yeng BRT service presently remains as a means of transportation.

Keywords

Bus

Transit Orientated Development

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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