Taxi route closures in Cape Town: What you need to know

AMID the closure of several mini-bus taxi routes in the Cape Town metro, the Western Cape government says Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) and Metrorail will provide alternative transport options during this period.

Temporary permits may also be issued to substitute operators where needed.

From Wednesday, routes and lanes in Mfuleni, Somerset West, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo, and Lwandle will be closed for 30 days as a result of the bloody dispute between taxi associations Cape Amalgamated Taxi Associations (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) over the Somerset West-Khayelitsha corridor. 

“It is important to note that taxi ranks and roads will not be closed. Only the affected routes directly linked to the ongoing instability will be suspended.

“South African Police Service (SAPS), City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, and Provincial Traffic officers will be deployed to enforce the extraordinary measures. Operators who contravene the notice face fines of up to R5 000 or imprisonment of up to six months,” the department said.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku acknowledged the gravity of the decision. 

“This was not an easy decision, but it is one that had to be taken to protect the lives of commuters and residents. The safety of our communities is our top priority. While extraordinary measures are in place, we will continue to engage with CATA and CODETA to work toward a sustainable resolution and long-term peace in the mini-bus taxi industry.”

In a statement, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) said: “We receive this decision with both sadness and understanding.

“Sadness, because of the long-lasting impact it will have on the livelihoods of taxi operators and their families, as well as the businesses that sustain our industry. 

“At the same time, we understand that the measure was taken in the interest of protecting lives, amid mounting violence and instability linked to our sector.”

The City’s Safety and Security Directorate said it will establish a Joint Operations Centre to monitor taxi routes in Somerset West and surrounds.

The following routes are closed for 30 days from Wednesday:

• 611 Khayelitsha – Somerset West
• 43 Lwandle – Khayelitsha
• M18 Mfuleni – Somerset West
• X19 Nomzamo – Mfuleni
• AA20 Khayelitsha – Somerset West CBD via Vergelegen Medical Clinic
• AA21 Khayelitsha – Sitari Village Mall
• R96 Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Somerset Mall
• R97 Khayelitsha – Waterstone Mall – Somerset West
• YEX63 Mfuleni – Somerset West
• YEX64 Mfuleni – Strand via Somerset West

Closed lanes of ranks:

• Lane 1 - Khayelitsha (Nonkqubela & Makhaza)
• Lane 1 - Mfuleni (new & old facilities)
• Lane 2 - Somerset West Interchange
• Lane 4 - Nomzamo taxi rank
• Lane 4 - Lwandle taxi rank

Report any safety concerns or incidents to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

Cape Times