Vandalism on MyCiTi buses: 26 vehicles damaged in six months
The City of Cape Town says its available fleet is at times significantly reduced due to MyCiTi buses being attacked and abused.
Image: File
TWENTY-SIX MyCiTi buses on the N2 Express routes from Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to the Civic Centre have been damaged by stone-throwing, wire tampering, and damaging of doors in just the last six months.
The City said a staggering 56% of their bus fleet pulled out of circulation for repairs have been vandalised through acts of anti-social behaviour by members of the communities who rely on the service, heavily impacting fellow commuters.
“As a result, the available fleet is at times significantly reduced due to MyCiTi buses being attacked and abused,” the City said.
Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas said authorities have noticed a disturbing trend where vandalism, particularly stone throwing, escalates during the school holidays.
“One particularly alarming incident last week saw a bus carrying dozens of passengers targeted at three separate locations, the Bontebok stop, Spine stop at the AZ Berman school, and Paulsberg stop, resulting in a smashed door and windows, and the terrorising of those on board. These are not minor acts of vandalism; they are serious criminal acts that put lives at risk,” said Quintas.
The City emphasised that the vandalism along with the need to routinely maintain and refurbish the fleets, results in buses being out of circulation.
“We are pleading with communities to help us look after the buses, stations and shelters by reporting illegal activities.
"It has come to our attention that there have been confirmed cases of tampering on the buses. Help us safeguard your public transport service. Fifty-six percent of the current scheduling issues could be solved if the vandalism stops. The quality of service will then also improve,” said Quintas.
The City added it is continually undertaking complete and partial refurbishment of the bus fleet.
“The demand on some routes is huge and the mileage on the buses per day is very high. The buses serving Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain travel approximately 800km every day and service commuters at a subsidised rate. These buses therefore need to be in a constant maintenance cycle,” the City said.
“The entire fleet will undergo an aggressive refurbishment programme, which will need to be done in phases. It is important to remember that these are bespoke vehicles and repairs take time. Major refurbishment programmes, although uncomfortable, are essential and cannot be delayed.”
Cape Times