Transport for Cape Town launches new MyCiTi routes

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member: Transport for Cape Town (TCT), Councillor Brett Herron, officially opened the newly constructed Queens Beach MyCiTi station in Sea Point earlier today, 3 November 2013.

Councillor Herron together with the Ward Councillor for the Atlantic Seaboard, Councillor Beverley Schafer, purchased a myconnect card and joined first-time passengers on this new route through Sea Point.

‘The opening of the Queens Beach MyCiTi station is not only the achievement of yet another milestone in the roll-out of the MyCiTi bus service. It is also being able to successfully provide safe, affordable and reliable public transport for all our communities. Our priority is to create access for our residents by linking them with economic opportunities, learning opportunities, and social amenities through an efficient public transport network.

‘I would also like to acknowledge and thank our partners in the taxi industry and the Golden Arrow Bus Service for sharing our vision of improving the quality of public transport for our communities. This partnership with our stakeholders enables us to be more effective in delivering services to our communities,’ said Councillor Herron.

The launch of the new routes marks the latest step in the realisation of TCT’s vision to create an effective and integrated public transport network.

‘Our vision is not only to make public transport more accessible, but also more affordable to all residents of the city,’ he said.

On Wednesday 30 October 2013, the City Council approved a proposal to issue free myconnect cards to MyCiTi passengers, to reduce the financial barrier for those coming into the system, particularly from previously disadvantaged areas.

The myconnect card cost of R25 will be waived during the marketing of new routes to make it easier for people to switch from their previous public transport modes to the MyCiTi service.

As from Friday 1 November 2013, free myconnect cards have been provided on the concourse level (main open space) of the Cape Town Civic Centre, between the hours of 07:00 and 18:00, and will be available until Friday 8 November 2013.

In terms of the approved free card process, when collecting a free myconnect card, South African citizens are reminded to present an Identity Document or valid driver’s licence. A child without an Identity Document must present a birth certificate and a foreign national must present a passport.

Every person is also required to make sure they have a minimum of R30, which will immediately be loaded onto their free myconnect card to enable them to travel to their destination. A free card will not be issued unless R30 is paid for the pre-loaded points.

TCT has also made it possible for passengers to purchase a myconnect card on busses on the new routes, but these will not be free. Between 2 and 8 November 2013, passengers can purchase a myconnect card on a bus for R55 which includes the usual R25 for the card, plus an extra R30 for the 30 Mover points.

‘I would like to pay tribute to the MyCiTi team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the MyCiTi roll-out a reality. I value your dedication to the project, incredible energy and continued support to the TCT Commissioner, Melissa Whitehead, and myself, to improve access to the world-class MyCiTi service for our communities,’ said Councillor Herron.