By Rachel Mohamed
The Western Cape Mobility Department MEC, Isaac Sileku, has decided to close several key taxi routes along the Khayelitsha-Somerset West route to ensure commuter safety due to ongoing violence that poses a threat to the commuters and the community.
Speaking to VOC News, Ntobeko Mbingeleli, the interim spokesperson for the Western Cape Mobility Department, clarified that the closures will begin at midnight tonight and that they are set to last for 30 days.
“To clarify, the closure is set to last for 30 days. We have noted some misinformation regarding this situation. The closure applies only to the specific routes we highlighted in our announcement on Friday when we introduced these extraordinary measures. The temporary closures are enacted under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act,” Mbingeleli explained.
Mbingelei confirmed that specific lanes at various taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle will be closed, further adding that these lane closures would impact roughly 4,000 commuters.
“There are approximately 4,000 commuters who will be affected by these closures. Therefore, before we engage in discussions with our partners about providing additional services, we need to consider that number,” stated Mbingelei.
The Department of Mobility has noted that Golden Arrow Bus Services and Metrorail would assist commuters with alternative transport, with Mbingelei stating that both transportation services would increase capacity.
“In terms of alternative transport, Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) will increase its capacity, and Metrorail, the PRASA unit transport service provider, will also extend its train carriages to accommodate commuters,” added Mbingelei.
Listen to the full interview:
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm
