Inaugural World Public Transport Day: Building a more connected Western Cape
To mark the inaugural World Public Transport Day (17 April), Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku led an activation at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange and travelled on a Metrorail train, engaging commuters and highlighting the goal of building a more connected Western Cape to opportunities.
The Western Cape Government is actively working to improve and strengthen the public transport system across the province. Key priorities include restoring passenger rail as the backbone of public transport, formalising and improving minibus taxi services, expanding and strengthening GO GEORGE services, maintaining oversight of Golden Arrow Bus Services, and supporting PRASA Western Cape in the ongoing restoration of rail infrastructure.
These efforts are aimed at building a more integrated, reliable, and accessible transport system that connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Currently, public transport carries approximately 30% of the provincial workforce, supporting nearly 2 million daily passenger trips across rail, minibus taxis, buses, and the MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit system.
Rail, once the backbone of the public transport system, has declined significantly due to years of vandalism, cable theft, and underinvestment. While all Cape Town metro rail lines are now operational again, including key routes between Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, the system will take time to fully recover its role. In the meantime, minibus taxis have become the dominant mode of transport in the province. However, as the sector relies entirely on fare revenue, it continues to face pressures related to operating costs, safety, maintenance, and affordability.
“With traffic congestion continuing to affect productivity and quality of life, public transport remains the most effective way to move more residents with fewer vehicles. By choosing public transport, we reduce congestion, save time and money, and support a more efficient and sustainable transport system. When residents use different modes of transport in an integrated way, the economy grows,” said Minister Sileku.
Minister Sileku added that engaging commuters provided valuable insight into how the system is being used on the ground. “It was encouraging to speak directly with commuters and hear what they value about public transport, whether it is a ride on a bus, train or taxi. It was particularly meaningful to hear from an elderly woman who shared that she takes a train from Eerste River and then a taxi from Bellville to work because it is affordable and helps her arrive on time. This shows that public transport is already being used in meaningful ways,” he said.
The Western Cape Government is calling on residents to actively support these improvements by making practical choices that strengthen the system. This includes using public transport more regularly where possible, combining modes such as train, bus, and taxi for daily travel or major sporting or cultural events, planning trips around available schedules, and gradually shifting short car trips to public transport. These small changes collectively help reduce congestion, improve service efficiency, and strengthen the sustainability of the transport network.
“I invite every resident, who can, to support our system and help us build a stronger public transport culture,” concluded Minister Sileku.
Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za