Public transport is considered the more affordable option when it comes to travelling.
Many use it for their daily commute to and from work because it's cheaper and can reduce the amount of time spent in traffic.
Road safety in public transport
Research shows that intra-city buses like MyCiTi and Golden Arrow Bus Services in Cape Town are as safe as rail.
Read more about Public Transport Safety on Safely Home’s website. The hash tag #BeTheChange is used to highlight this campaign on Twitter.
Public transport options
A number of public transport options are available to commuters who often base their choice on convenience and affordability.
Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS)
Golden Arrow Bus Services operates in the Cape Town metropolitan and transports 48.5 million passengers annually.
You can purchase monthly or 10-ride clipcards which are clipped with every trip or you can choose to pay per trip. Regular users choose the clipcard option because it works out cheaper per month.
- Read more about this service on the Golden Arrow Bus services website.
Metrorail Western Cape
Metrorail Western Cape is the train service transporting citizens to and from its 122 train stations in the province. Commuters can buy a single, return or monthly ticket. Commuters can register at any train station to receive SMS alerts on Metrorail's service.
- Access the timetables and fare calculators on Metrorail’s website.
MyCiTi
MyCiTi is Cape Town's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system which transports citizens in and around the Cape Metropole. It uses dedicated lanes to reduce travel times and operating costs. Citizens can access the service using a myconnect card which can be bought at MyCiTi station kiosks and participating retailers.
- Access routes and timetables on MyCiTi's website.
Metred taxis
Metered taxis or metro cabs are ordered in advance or found at a designated taxi rank. They are more expensive than the other public transport operators because they offer a more exclusive door to door service.
- City of Cape Town's website gives examples of reputable taxi companies.
Minibus taxis
Commuters can access minibus taxis via the designated taxi rank or anywhere en route. Prices vary according to the distance travelled and only cash is accepted. The passenger would pay the fare collector at the beginning of the trip.
- City of Cape Town's website gives useful tips for first time taxi travellers.
Go George
Go George is South Africa's first non-metro integrated Public Transport network. There will eventually be more than 600 bus stops in the George municipal area, each with a name and number. Users are advised to always stand where the driver can see them as buses will only stop when there is someone waiting to board.
- You will find all the routes and timetables on Go George's website.
Read more on Public Transport in the Western Cape:
You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW