Cape Town – The City of Cape Town says its MyCiTi and Dial-a-Ride services will resume operations in Hout Bay once it is safe to do so, after violence erupted in the area on Monday.
A MyCiTi bus was petrol bombed and other buses and private cars were stoned in and around Suikerbossie and Hout Bay Gateway Circle where protesters burnt tyres on Monday morning.
The City said it had suspended the MyCiTi and Dial-a-Ride services in the interest of the safety of commuters and personnel.
“Unfortunately, the City can only resume services once it is safe to operate in this area,” the City said.
The unrest follows a crackdown by local law enforcement in impounding illegally operated, unroadworthy taxis.
Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, said they have not been informed of any injuries to passengers or bus drivers.
“I want to condemn the violence in the strongest possible terms. Fire and stones will not resolve anything, we all need to abide by the law and engage in a peaceful and respectful manner,” Quintas said.
The City said it noted the complaints from the Hout Bay Taxi Association (HBTA) regarding the compensation related to the roll-out of Phase 1 of the MyCiTi service and said it has been engaging with HBTA since 2014 in respect of the process and will continue to do so.
The matter is currently on the Western Cape High Court roll and the City said it is awaiting the court’s ruling.
“Any behaviour that results in learners and workers not being able to commute, as well as residents feeling unsafe and being the victims of violence, and any damages to public or private property must be condemned for the thuggish activities that they are.
“This unfortunate suspension of MyCiTi and DAR services has a direct impact on the livelihood of these passengers as they depend on the availability of these transport services, but we cannot risk their safety while this unrest continues,” said Quintas.
The City said it will continue to engage with the HBTA and will be meeting with the leadership from the community.
“Law Enforcement is currently working with other joint operational services to ensure access in and out of the area as far as possible.
“The City cannot risk the lives of passengers and its staff while this violence continues. We will only resume operations once it is safe to do so.”
Cape Times