South Africa’s public transport sector is embracing the electric revolution with the introduction of Lion’s Explorer E electric buses by Golden Arrow Bus Services. The electric buses are financially viable and address the country’s unique environmental conditions. With successful trials and positive feedback, the City of Cape Town plans to incorporate electric buses into MyCiTi Phase 2A by 2027, indicating the country’s commitment to sustainable transport. The transition towards electric buses is a refreshing development, showcasing the country’s dedication to green technology and a sustainable future.
The MyCiTi bus service is expanding with five new temporary stops in Khayelitsha, Atlantis, and Woodstock. These new stops will simplify residents’ commutes to schools and commercial centres, and the increased frequency of weekday trips will improve commuting conditions. MyCiTi’s commitment to offering dependable, costeffective, and userfriendly transportation is exemplified by this expansion, which begins on March 23, 2024.
The ongoing taxi strike in the Western Cape has brought the public transport system to a standstill, with devastating consequences. This strike has lasted over a week now, and as minibus taxis are responsible for transporting around 75% of public transport users in the area, or about a million passengers per day, the impact has been significant. The Western Cape Department of Mobility has stated that these taxis serve areas not usually covered by other public transport services.
Cape Town’s rail system is facing a crisis, leading to a 15year public transport plan focusing on roadbased transport. The plan aims to expand the MyCiTi bus service to address the growing reliance on roadbased transport. The City has allocated a budget of R5.2 billion for the next three years to implement the plan, enabling it to apply for Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) funding from the national government.
Traveling through Africa by public transport may seem overwhelming initially, but it is one of the most enriching ways to discover and explore the diverse continent. Although Africa’s transport infrastructure may not be ideal, an adventurous spirit and preparedness for unexpected situations can transform the experience into an unforgettable memory.
In recent news, Gauteng MEC for Transport, Kedibone DialeTlabela, expressed her dismay over the violent incidents that occurred at Maponya Mall in Soweto, South Africa. On Thursday, minibus taxi drivers clashed with ehailing drivers, resulting in physical assault, car burnings, and injuries. The incident has prompted the government and industry leaders to take action to ensure public transport safety.
In recent years, the tension between ehailing operators and minibus taxi drivers has been on the rise in South Africa. This has resulted in various incidents of violent confrontations and attacks on drivers and passengers, raising concerns about the safety and security of public transport in the region.
Cape Town is currently undergoing an exciting transformation in its urban mobility landscape, with the Urban Mobility Budget serving as a driving force for a more connected and thriving metropolis. Spearheaded by the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Budget has been tabled for 2023/2024 to 2025/2026. This budget aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure by focusing on essential elements such as maintenance, congestion relief, public transport, and smart mobility.
The City of Cape Town is set to enhance urban mobility and intermodal connectivity by constructing a new integrated bus facility in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. The facility will be shared by the MyCiTi and Golden Arrow Bus Services and located adjacent to the Chris Hani rail station, with the new minibustaxi facility just a kilometre away. This initiative will streamline travel for commuters by providing seamless transfers between multiple modes of transportation.
Langa, located in the Western Cape of South Africa, has emerged as a popular tourist destination in recent years. The success of its tourism industry can be attributed to various factors, including community workshops, government programs, and the involvement of local businesses and residents.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has made it a priority to improve the lives of those residing in townships, informal settlements, and hostels. This is particularly important given the challenges faced by these communities, which often lack access to safe and reliable public transport.
The Recent Verdict The River Club development has been given the green light after the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the project, denying the Observatory Civil Association (OCA) the right to appeal the Western Cape High Court’s order. The decision was made on May 16, 2023, and it clears the way for a development project that promises significant benefits to Cape Town.
The South African Department of Transport has revealed the details of its 2023/2024 financial year plans, with a budget of R79,565 billion aimed at improving transport infrastructure and services throughout the country. The investment will be focused on several key projects, including the construction, enhancement, and maintenance of roads, rail networks, public transport, rural bridges, and the aviation industry.
A horrifying bus crash occurred on Saturday evening on the N2 between Mosselbay and Voorbaai, resulting in six deaths and around 32 injuries. The incident involved a collision between two buses, leaving survivors traumatized and authorities scrambling to investigate the cause of the accident.
Revitalizing Cape Town’s Railway System: A Journey with Premier Alan Winde and MEC Ricardo Mackenzie
Recently, Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie embarked on a journey from Cape Town to Bellville to assess the state of the city and province’s railway system. Their goal was to witness firsthand the challenges and progress of the train service and understand the concerns and needs of daily commuters.
The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Mobility Department and Public have recently announced that 1,296 new meteredtaxi operating licenses are still available to those in the industry. The City lifted a twoyear moratorium on new applications for meteredtaxi operating licenses in February 2023.