Chopping and changing

Bus rapid transit systems are relatively new in South Africa (they were originally implemented in Curitiba, Brazil, in 1974). The first comprehensive review of Cape Town’s MyCiTi service has been completed – resulting in some route changes.

The changes began on October 4 and will continue until November 1. MyCiTi states that the aim is to better match its services to passenger demand. “In the past financial year, from July 1, 2013, to June 30, this year, demand for MyCiTi services grew steadily. During this period, the passenger journey target was exceeded by 2,1 million, with 7,4 million journeys being made.”

Councillor Brett Herron, mayoral committee member for transport in Cape Town, adds: “It is clear from these statistics that, as the service expands, more and more residents are relying on MyCiTi to travel around the city. We have a responsibility to ensure that, as far as possible, the MyCiTi service matches the passenger demand on all routes.”

The changes include the cancellation of the under-utilised route 113, which runs along Ocean View Drive to Three Anchor Bay. Timetables will also be adjusted to provide more buses during peak times and less-frequent services when demand is lower. Where demand does not justify keeping them open, kiosks will be closed or operating hours reduced.

“These adjustments follow from the detailed MyCiTi route-by-route analysis and are based on the lessons learned and operating circumstances in running the service,” says Herron. “We have to adjust to the realities on the ground if we want to improve the MyCiTi service.”