The Urban Mobility Directorate in Cape Town has impressed the city’s Portfolio Committee on Urban Mobility with its exceptional performance in MyCiTi bus service ridership numbers during the post-Covid recovery phase. The past financial year has seen a significant increase in public transportation usage, reflecting a renewed confidence in the system and a growing trend towards sustainable urban mobility.
Outstanding Performance in MyCiTi Ridership Numbers
In a special sitting on September 11, 2023, the Urban Mobility Directorate shared its impressive achievements for the last quarter of the previous financial year. The directorate recorded a staggering 18,323,763 passenger trips on the MyCiTi bus service, far exceeding their pre-agreed target of 16,900,000 passenger trips for the 2022/23 financial year.
Positive Feedback from Urban Mobility Portfolio Committee
Councillor Mikhail Manuel, Chairperson of the City’s Urban Mobility Portfolio Committee, expressed satisfaction with the Urban Mobility Directorate’s performance. He drew attention to the exceptional progress made in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, noting the impressive 68% growth in MyCiTi ridership year-on-year since 2021.
The Surge in Public Transport Usage
Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, attributed the surge in public transport usage to the rising cost of living and ongoing growth in the city. He encouraged more and more motorists to opt for the affordable MyCiTi bus service, which not only helps passengers beat fuel price hikes, but also reduces congestion on the roads and contributes to a more sustainable urban environment.
Ambitious Goals and Proactive Approach
The Urban Mobility Directorate’s ambitious goals have not gone unnoticed. For the current 2023/24 financial year, they have set an even higher target of 18,500,000 passenger trips on the MyCiTi bus service. Councillor Manuel commended the directorate’s proactive approach in promoting public transport uptake and expressed anticipation in monitoring their performance.
Sustainable Urban Mobility for Cape Town
As the MyCiTi bus service continues to thrive, it inspires a shift towards sustainable urban mobility. The growing number of commuters opting for this safe and accessible transportation mode attests to the dedication of the Urban Mobility Directorate in meeting the city’s evolving needs.
A Beacon of Progress for Sustainable Transportation
In the coming years, Cape Town’s public transportation landscape is poised to reach new heights, driven by the relentless efforts of the Urban Mobility Directorate and the unwavering support of the Portfolio Committee on Urban Mobility. The MyCiTi bus service serves as a beacon of progress and a harbinger for the future of sustainable transportation.
