Media release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
The following is a situation report on public transport operations in the greater Cape Town area. This is to provide the public and the media with the latest information on disruptions to some taxi services in the Metro.
Where an area is not specifically mentioned, no specific issues were raised and operations seem to be running. Where an area is specifically mentioned and it is stated that services are running, it means that the area has been flagged as an area where disruptions are possible.
Please note that this situational report is based on current information, is valid only at the time of publishing, and is subject to change at any time.
- B97 MBT Route (Mbekweni to Bellville)
- No MBT services.
- Additional bus service functioning.
- Local routes in Paarl are running.
- Limited MBT services from Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Langa leading to limited services at the Bellville PTI. MBT services not affiliated to CATA and CODETA are operating.
- Bellville PTI:
- Golden Arrow Bus Services are operating.
- No CATA- or CODETA-affiliated MBT services are running.
- Retreat PTI:
- Bus and MBT services are operating.
- Wynberg PTI:
- No CATA- or CODETA-affiliated MBT services are visible.
- Bus services are operating.
- Mitchell’s Plain PTI:
- Bus services are operating.
- Cape Town Station deck:
- Steady flow of MBT services.
- Limited to no CATA and CODETA MBT services are running.
- Nyanga Central PTI and bus terminus:
- Bus services running. Passengers embark and disembark at Nyanga South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
- Very limited or no MBT services in operation.
- Mowbray, Claremont, Fish Hoek, Masiphumelele and Hout Bay:
- Limited MBT services in operation.
- Buses are operating.
- Vrygrond PTI
- CODETA-affiliated MBT services are operating.
- Athlone PTI
- No CODETA-affiliated MBT services are operating.
Other modes of public transport are operating as well as minibus taxis not affiliated to CATA or CODETA. It is important to note that, while operations at PTIs may be reduced, services along the routes continue to operate.
Additional Golden Arrow bus services have been made available between Paarl and Bellville. Metrorail increased running trains on the Northern Line from 14 to 45 including the Malmesbury and Worcester services. Metrorail’s shuttle service will offer 15 trips from Wellington to Kraaifontein and the service between Kraaifontein and Cape Town via Monte Vista will operate 26 trips.
I am aware that our actions have an impact on commuters, but we are confident that the additional support we have provided will help to address public transport challenges that arise until such time as the situation has stabilised.
I am relieved to say that the contingency plan was implemented with success but while an interim solution has been put in place, we need a lasting solution and for that we need an agreement between warring associations. I am also pleased with the extensive planning by the SAPS, supported by the SANDF and other law enforcement, which has been successful in preventing any flareups of violence.
The arbitration process is still ongoing and I urge all parties to come to a lasting solution in the best interests of the people of Cape Town.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za