CITY OF CAPE TOWN | 4 MAY 2020
STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT, ALDERMAN FELICITY PURCHASE
As we are in week six of the national lockdown, I want to thank all commuters, public transport operators, and our frontline City staff for their cooperation and support to limit the spread of COVID-19.
It is vital that all of us stay committed and keep on adhering to the lockdown rules applicable to Level 4.
I want to bring the following to commuters’ attention:
- No person is allowed to board a public transport vehicle – be it a bus, a minibus-taxi, or any other type of taxi without a cloth or mask to cover their nose and mouth. This is a requirement from the National Government, and one we fully support.
We will not allow any person to board a MyCiTi bus without a mask or cloth that covers their nose and mouth. The same applies to minibus-taxi operators and commuters.
Commuters must wear a cloth or mask at all times, and must ensure that their nose and mouth are covered before, during, and after the trip, and in public spaces. Please be prepared, and make sure that you do not leave your home without it.
- Public transport services such as the MyCiTi bus service, minibus-taxis, metred-taxis and e-hailing service providers are now allowed to operate from 05:00 until 19:00 daily. There is a grace period from 19:00 to 20:00 for operators to complete their trips, and to drop off passengers. No public transport vehicles are allowed to be on the road between 20:00 and 05:00, unless it is for the transportation of essential workers who work at other times.
- The MyCiTi bus service is operating between 05:00 and 19:00 daily; and all trips will be concluded and passengers dropped off by 20:00. Up to 14 stations are currently operational. The City will monitor the service and will make changes in accordance with the demand. The schedules and timetables are available online. Commuters can visit the MyCiTi website on www.myciti.org.za for regular updates; use the MyCiTi app, or follow us on Twitter @MyCiTiBus; or phone the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 – the TIC is available 24/7.
- Minibus-taxis and buses may only use 70% of their licensed loading capacity to ensure that there is enough space for commuters to practice physical distancing, and to avoid contact.
- Vehicles providing an e-hailing service, or metered-taxis are only allowed to use 50% of their licensed capacity. For example, a vehicle licensed to carry five people may only transport two passengers.
We are working around the clock to make it easier for commuters to practise physical distancing at public transport facilities. Last week teams went around and painted lines at waiting areas to indicate the appropriate spacing between those who are queuing to board minibus-taxis. I encourage commuters to keep to the distances indicated by these lines.
The City has also intensified the cleaning protocols at minibus-taxi facilities around Cape Town since the start of the lockdown, these include:
- The ablution facilities are constantly cleaned during the operational hours. All surfaces – from the floors to the toilet seats, the taps, basins, door handles, and so forth – are constantly washed and surfaces wiped. Commuters who enter the facility are provided with hand soap and there is running water for handwashing.
- The offices, and administration buildings are cleaned at least twice a day. This also involves the cleaning and washing of all surfaces, door handles, the floors, and so forth.
- The communal area where commuters wait to embark/disembark are cleaned continuously – this includes all surfaces that may be touched by a commuter, from poles to benches and handrails.
- We are monitoring each facility to ensure compliance with the cleaning regime.
I have said before that COVID-19 is challenging us like never before.
We are adapting and improving our systems as we learn new lessons every day.
The most important message to residents is to stay at home as far as possible. Only use public transport when you absolutely need to. If you do travel, wash your hands often, or use hand sanitiser, avoid physical contact with other people, avoid touching common surfaces and don’t touch your face. Wash your hands again after getting off the bus. Don’t travel if you are sick.
Remember your mask, or face cloth, and be safe.
End
Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town