Your go-to guide for public transport in Cape Town
Are you afraid to use public transport, not knowing where to even begin or how to go about it? Or perhaps you use it every day but need a few handy tips?
Well, Amy Hendrickse has made it her job to update Cape Town residents or visitors on the ‘go-to guide’ for public transport in Cape Town. And we at WOW thought she did an amazing job doing it!
Here is Amy’s guide on CapeTownLately:
METRORAIL (or Metrofail as they say)
‘One way to prevent the disappointment of missing your train is to always be one step ahead: Leave for the station prematurely. Allow yourself enough time to buy your ticket. Pay that extra R2 for a first class seat – you won’t regret it! The regulars often enjoy a loose cigarette before the train comes screeching in. Try as you may, you could very well still be duped as the station is filled with “The 123 train from Cape Town en route to Bellville is running twenty minutes late. Metrorail apologises for the inconvenience!”. If you hear that very unattractive mating call over the intercoms, call your boss. You’re going to be late for work. Once you are on the train, seat selection is your next priority. If you are lucky enough to choose one of the carts with fully functioning (and existent) windows, position yourself as close to one as possible. As soon as the trains starts filling up, you’ll develop a new found respect for fresh oxygen.’
*Rating:
Dependability: 2/5
Safety: 3/5 (Unless someone lights your carriage on fire or pushes you out while the train is in motion. This has happened before)
Speed: 2/5
Health: 3/5
Service vs Price: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
GOLDEN ARROW BUS
‘The early morning bus houses more than 50 passengers . All of them in some kind of sleepy state. Headphones on head, leaned back on the seat… making the drive to work look like a day at the spa. What is sadly unknown is that the sleep is, in fact, induced by the Carbon Dioxide trapped in the bus by the unopened windows. Even notifying posters urging to “vulani iifestile” have no effect on the large set womanwho is going to complain and roll her eyes when you request that she open a window. Ask anyway. Or spell “HELP” in the breath-fogged up window and wait for the rescue team.’
*Rating:
Dependability: 4/5 (You will get there. Might not be in once piece, tough)
Safety: 1/5 (Look above)
Speed: 5/5
Service vs Price: 3/5
Health: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
TAXI
‘Because of the private nature of the taxi industry, the mini bus traveller is spoilt for choice. You can decide if you wish to be transported in a spacious Quantum or have your ears rattled by a Siyaya equipped with a huge sound system. Greet the driver and sliding door operator warmly and be sure they clearly hear your destination – they will miss your stop. And you will have to be satisfied with “Sorry girl, hettie vir jou gehoori… jy kan saam my huis toe gaan. Oh you speak English? Is you on MXIT?” Though aesthetically different, taxi protocol remains consistent. If you enter the taxi and find that there is no “gadtjie”, the fares will all be passed forward to the person sitting closest to the driver. This person will distribute change and smile as they awkwardly calculate without using their fingers. If your mathematical command is not up to par, pull the old “Nicky not to be” and pass it to the person next to you. Please uphold your taxi ethics, the driver will notice every rand.’
‘Lastly…Prepare to shape shift. At some point during the journey, the driver may stop to pick up more passengers. He will do this whether there are available seats or not.’
*Rating:
Dependability: 4/5 (You will get there. Might not be in once piece, tough)
Safety: 1/5 (Look above)
Speed: 5/5
Service vs Price: 3/5
Health: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
TUK TUK
‘A concept that originated in Thailand and offers a greener alternative to travel. These mini-motorised three-wheeled vehicles can be easily spotted by their bright colours and branding in the Camps Bay and Clifton areas. From as little as R25, an adventurous traveller can experience Cape Town while getting an amazing view.’
*Rating:
Dependability: 4/5
Safety: 3/5
Speed: 3/5
Service vs Price: 4/5
Health: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
MYCITI BUS
‘Since the recent launching of the MyCiTi buses, transition from concept to realisation has not been without upheaval. Hoping to provide a safer and more consistent service for Capetonians, the new buses have been the source of envy from other transportation companies. Always be safe and vigilant, making sure that your valuables are in your sight at all times. Keep your ares in your pocket to avoid having to dig in to your bag later. This is YourCiti! Get out and explore.’
*Rating
Dependability: 4/5
Safety: 4/5
Speed: 3/5
Service vs Price: 3/5
Health: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
PRIVATE TAXIS
‘For those near the city, it’s a safe (and costly) way of travelling, especially against those traffic cops looking for alcohol in your system if you’re behind the wheel.’
*Rating:
Dependability: 5/5
Safety: 4/5
Speed: 4/5
Service vs Price: 2/5
Health: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
*Different transportation methods in Cape Town have been rated privately by Cape Town Lately.
View Amy Hendrickse’s full article here.