South Africa’s Urban Mobility Overhaul: BRT in Cape Town

Over the past decade and a half, South Africa has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its urban mobility landscape through the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. Among the most prominent is Cape Town’s MyCiTi BRT, a modern and high-capacity transit solution aimed at addressing the city’s longstanding transportation challenges rooted in its apartheid-era spatial legacy. While initial successes marked a significant stride toward sustainable and efficient urban mobility, recent developments reveal complex challenges that threaten the system’s future viability.

Historical Context: Public Transport in South Africa Pre-BRT

South Africa’s public transport system has been shaped by its apartheid history, which forcibly relocated millions to segregated townships far from economic hubs. Under apartheid, government subsidies supported city buses and trains to service these sprawling, often underdeveloped areas, ensuring workers could reach ports, mines, and industrial zones.

However, as the post-apartheid government faced fiscal crises, these systems deteriorated, and a vast informal minibus-taxi industry arose to fill the service gaps. This industry, comprising individual owners and drivers organised into loosely regulated associations, became a sprawling, highly volatile sector. The taxis, often operating in unsafe conditions, with poorly maintained vehicles and violent turf wars, became both a symbol of resilience and a source of instability.

The Rise of BRT: A Vision for Modern Urban Transit

Recognising the need for a safer, more reliable, and efficient transport system, South Africa’s government embraced BRT as a solution. The idea was to formalise and upgrade the minibus-taxi industry by transitioning it into modern, regulated bus companies operating on dedicated corridors with high-quality infrastructure.

Cape Town’s MyCiTi BRT System

Cape Town’s MyCiTi BRT, launched in 2010, was designed to provide quick, safe, and accessible transit, especially to underserved communities. Built rapidly over four years, the system features dedicated lanes, modern stations, and high-capacity articulated buses. It aimed to:

• Reduce travel times.
• Improve safety and comfort.
• Formalise taxi operators into professional bus companies.
• Stimulate economic activity through improved mobility.

The system quickly garnered praise for its high standards, inclusive design, and positive social impact. It became a symbol of urban renewal and modern transit in Africa.

Operational Achievements and Challenges

Pre-Pandemic Success

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, MyCiTi served approximately 70,000 daily riders—close to the projected 100,000—indicating strong demand. Its routes connected key areas such as the city center, townships, and major employment zones. The high-quality infrastructure and dedicated lanes contributed to shorter, safer journeys, and the system played a pivotal role in revitalising the city’s urban core.

Transitioning Industry and Social Tensions

A core objective was to transition informal taxi operators into formal companies. While some taxi owners successfully entered the system, the process was fraught with resistance. Many taxi operators viewed BRT as a threat to their livelihoods and responded with protests, intimidation, and violence. In Johannesburg, for example, conflicts between taxi associations and BRT operators have occasionally turned violent, reflecting the deep-rooted tensions embedded in the industry.

Operational and Financial Challenges Post-World Cup

Post-2010, expansion stalled. The initial momentum waned, and subsequent phases of the network were delayed or abandoned. Challenges included:

• Lack of political support and funding.
• Resistance from taxi associations, unwilling to cede control.
• Operational inefficiencies, including fare evasion and vandalism.
• High operating costs and low farebox recovery ratios, with pre-COVID cost recovery in Cape Town dropping from about 50% to roughly 40%.

Ridership and Revenue Shortfalls

Ridership has consistently fallen below projections, with pre-pandemic figures of approximately 70,000 daily riders, less than the expected 100,000. Financial sustainability remains elusive, with subsidies covering a significant portion of operating costs. For example, in 2018, BRT subsidies per passenger were R12.84 (about US$0.90), lower than other modes but insufficient to cover total costs without government support.

Impact of COVID-19

The pandemic further strained the system, halting operations temporarily, reducing ridership, and exacerbating financial losses. The lack of a comprehensive plan to support the industry during this period has left the system vulnerable.

Current Challenges Facing Cape Town’s MyCiTi

1. Limited Industry Formalisation and Taxi Industry Resistance

Despite initial efforts, only a small fraction of taxi operators have been integrated into the formal BRT companies. The majority remain informal or operate in competition with BRT services. The industry’s deep-seated turf wars, coupled with reluctance to abandon traditional routes, hinder expansion and efficiency.

1. Operational Inefficiencies and Infrastructure Maintenance

Vandalism, fare evasion, and inadequate enforcement have compromised service reliability. Stations and vehicles suffer from neglect and security issues, reducing passenger confidence.

1. Funding and Political Will

Support for BRT has waned amid competing priorities. The government’s reluctance to provide sustained subsidies, coupled with increased subsidies to rail systems like the Gautrain, reflects shifting political priorities. The system’s financial sustainability remains uncertain without significant reform.

1. Competition from Rail and Minibus Taxis

The deteriorating state of commuter rail services, plagued by mismanagement and underinvestment, has not led to a corresponding shift to BRT. Instead, the informal taxi sector continues to dominate many corridors due to convenience, familiarity, and flexible routing.

1. Limited Network Expansion

Much of the planned BRT network remains incomplete or underfunded. The delay in expanding routes diminishes potential ridership growth and urban mobility benefits.

Pathways to Strengthen and Sustain BRT in Cape Town

1. Industry Integration and Formalisation

To enhance service quality and stability, authorities must develop inclusive programs that incentivise taxi operators to formalise their businesses. This could involve:

• Offering affordable financing and licensing options.
• Implementing transparent fare and route regulation.
• Providing training and capacity-building.

2. Operational Improvements and Security Measures

Investing in station maintenance, security infrastructure, and technology (e.g., smart card systems) can improve passenger experience. Strengthening enforcement of dedicated lanes will reduce delays and improve reliability.

3. Financial Sustainability and Policy Support

Reevaluating fare structures and subsidy levels is vital. A balanced approach could include:

• Targeted subsidies for low-income users.
• Public-private partnerships to share operational risks.
• Gradual fare adjustments aligned with inflation and operational costs.

4. Broader Integration and Multi-Modal Planning

Developing seamless connections between BRT, rail, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure will promote mode shift and reduce congestion. Urban land use policies should support transit-oriented development around stations.

5. Political Commitment and Long-Term Vision

Sustained political support is essential. Clear, transparent planning that prioritizes equitable access and environmental sustainability will build public trust and ensure continued investment.

Conclusion

Cape Town’s MyCiTi BRT exemplifies South Africa’s initial aspirations for a modern, inclusive urban transit system rooted in the legacy of the 2010 World Cup. While it has delivered tangible benefits—reducing travel times, improving safety, and formalising part of the taxi industry—significant challenges threaten its future sustainability.

Addressing industry resistance, improving operational efficiency, securing funding, and expanding the network are critical steps toward realizing the full potential of BRT as a backbone of Cape Town’s urban mobility. With strategic reforms and unwavering political commitment, BRT can evolve from a promising pilot into a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable transportation system that meets the needs of all Cape Town residents for decades to come.