The almost total collapse of the rail system in Cape Town has led to commuters being heavily reliant on road-based transport, states the City’s new 15-year public transport business plan, which budgets R5.2 billion for the expansion of the MyCiTi bus service over the next three years.
The rail service is run by the Passenger Rail Agency South Africa , and the City’s attempts to take over management of their local Metrorail system have been snubbed by the National Department of Transport. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced on Thursday that the City will embark on an intergovernmental dispute resolution process after PRASA refused to sign a service level agreement on rail service for Cape Town commuters.
The plan states the main modes of public transport in the city are the MyCiTi buses, Dial-a-Ride services, Quality Bus Services such as Golden Arrow, minibus taxis and Metrorail.Quintas said the collapse of rail resulted in the majority of commuters relying on road-based transport. As a result, MyCiTi routes used by fewer passengers had been reduced or curtailed in order to remain within the operating budget.
‘This will allow for more frequent adjustments to fares in response to changing fuel prices to ensure the sustainability of the service, which is a key responsibility of this directorate.’ Roland Postma, Managing Director of the Young Urbanist and Active Mobility Forum, told GroundUp that non-motorised transport was vital to making the city more accessible. He said many more safe and protected pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes were needed.