Starting August 1, 2025, Cape Town’s Metrorail fares will rise for the first time in ten years, with short trips costing a little more and monthly passes jumping sharply. The price increase aims to help fix broken trains and stations while keeping longer trips affordable for lowincome riders. Discounts for pensioners and students during offpeak hours will stay, showing care for those who need it most. Though the hike worries many commuters, it also promises safer, better rides on a rail system that connects the city’s diverse communities every day.
Cape Town’s trains connect many parts of the city, but for people with disabilities, traveling by rail is still very hard. Many stations have stairs instead of ramps or lifts, making it nearly impossible for wheelchair users to get on and off trains without help. Even though some new trains have accessible features inside, getting to the trains and navigating stations remains full of barriers. While the city has promised improvements and started talking with disability advocates, real change is still slow, leaving many to struggle every day. The hope is that Cape Town will one day offer safe, easy, and independent travel for everyone.