Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
MyCiTi
Bus rapid transit service in Cape Town, South Africa From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
MyCiTi is a bus rapid transit service in Cape Town, South Africa. It serves as a major part of the city's overall public transit system.[3]
.jpg)
Operating with feeders, it forms part of a greater Integrated Public Transport-driven economic development strategy of the City of Cape Town (CoCT) Metropolitan Municipality, situated in the Western Cape province.[4][5]
The system has a fleet of 223 electric and diesel buses, operating between 42 stations, and almost 1,000 stops throughout Cape Town.[2]
The MyCiTi fleet consists of a combination of 9-meter air-conditioned Optare Solo low-floor buses (for City Bowl feeder routes),[6] 12-meter Volvo BZRLE low-floor and Scania high-floor buses, and 18-meter Scania low-floor articulated buses. They can transport 48, 84, 94, and 116 passengers respectively.[7] Buses are assembled locally, by Busmark 2000, a bus body manufacturer in Epping, Cape Town.
Stations feature free Wi-Fi, enclosed waiting areas, and off-grid power. MyCiTi buses travel on dedicated, red bus lanes with their own traffic signals, as well as on traditional road networks at times.
Infrastructure is planned to be developed in 4 phases. It is actively being rolled out across Cape Town, with Phase 1A, 1B, and the N2 corridor complete, and Phase 2A underway.
Headway of services (i.e., the time between buses on the same route) ranges from 3 minutes to 20 minutes during peak times. It can be up to 60 minutes during quiet, off-peak periods. 73% of MyCiTi buses are punctual within a window of two minutes early to five minutes late.
Remove ads
History
Summarize
Perspective
Cape Town's MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service officially launched its first phase in May 2010, marking the beginning of a system designed to provide sustainable and integrated public transportation across the city. Initially, the routes connected areas such as Table View and the Cape Town Central Business District (CBD), with the network gradually expanding to include other parts of the city, such as Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain in 2014.
The South African national government's support for the BRT system was initially motivated by the need to meet public transport requirements for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, during which South Africa served as the host nation. The service was launched to facilitate efficient transportation to and from stadiums. Since then, the BRT has evolved into a key component of the city's integrated public transport network, aimed at promoting social and spatial equality while enhancing urban efficiency.
The first proper bus rapid transit (BRT) phase (Phase 1A) opened in May 2011. It includes a dedicated West Coast busway from the city centre through Milnerton to Table View, along which an express bus service operates. Connecting to this trunk route is a route in the City Bowl connecting Gardens, the Civic Centre bus station and the Waterfront, as well as three feeder services around Table View, Bloubergstrand and Parklands.
In 2012, the first MyCiTi began using its first custom-built 9-metre Optare Solo bus as part of its fleet. The bus was part of an order of 190 units, to be assembled in Epping by Busmark 2000, and used as feeder buses. The Optare Solo's shorter size allows it to maneuver easily in residential and dense city areas.[8]
Major expansion of services occurred from late 2013.[citation needed] They include new routes around Table View and Parklands and links to: Century City via Racecourse Road and Omuramba roads; Montague Gardens along Koeberg Road; Killarney, Dunoon and Doornbach via Blaauwberg Road; Sunningdale and Sandown stations on the West Coast Road; Melkbosstrand; Atlantis, Mamre and Pella.
By 2015 MyCiTi provided a rapid bus service between Blouberg / Table View, Atlantis, Melkbosstrand, Dunoon, Milnerton, Paarden Eiland, Century City, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Cape Town CBD. It also provided feeder services in most of the above areas as well as in Salt River, Walmer Estate, and all suburbs of the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard all the way to Llandudno and Hout Bay.
The MyCiTi bus service has also been extended to Cape Town's south-east, to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, called the N2 Express. It uses Bus and Minibus-taxi (BMT) lane on the N2 highway, which permits public transport vehicles to pass general traffic during the morning peak period.[9][10]
In October 2018, MyCiTi added 120 000 scheduled kilometre through artificial troops on existing routes and some new routes. It also added more direct services which don't require transfers between different routes, as well as additional bus stops.[citation needed]
In its 2023/2024 Annual Integrated Report, the City of Cape Town confirmed that R5.2 billion had been apportioned for expansion of the MyCiTi network over the following two years.[2]
The most recent network expansion is Phase 2A, which is currently underway. This multi-year project aims to provide accessible public transit to more than 30 communities across Cape Town.[11] It forms part of the City of Cape Town's R6.3 billion MyCiTi bus route development.[12]
MyCiTi's second phase is the largest investment in public transit by any metro in South Africa in history.[13]
Phase 2A includes the building of trunk roads along Govan Mbeki Road, using dedicated bus lanes to reduce travel times. This phase will also have open and closed stations in the middle of roads installed, as well as the installation of wider pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes installed along trunk roads.[11]
Construction as part of Phase 2A commenced following extensive public participation. Preparation for a major depot to serve the neighborhoods of Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha has also begun.[14]
Also as part of Phase 2A, in March 2025, construction of South Africa's first elevated circle will begin. This will be established at the intersection of Govan Mbeki Road (the M9) and Jan Smuts Drive (the M17) in Lansdowne, Cape Town. The Sky Circle will connect Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha with Wynberg and Claremont, will be built 6.2 meters above the ground, and will be for the exclusive use of MyCiTi buses.[15]
In July 2025, the City of Cape Town announced that it had signed a procurement agreement for the MyCiTi fleet. 30 electric buses have been ordered from Volvo Bus Southern Africa, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2027. The City further stated that the size of the order may increase, subject to additional funding, and that a separate tender would be issued for installation of charging infrastructure for the new buses.[16]
In October 2025, the City of Cape Town completed the construction of two new major MyCiTi bus depots. The R430 million facilities will house and maintain the new bus fleet for the upcoming MyCiTi Phase 2A expansion. Each of the new depots spans 7.5 hectares, with initial capacity for up to 145 buses, and space to expand to 250 (500 total) as the service grows.[17]
The facilities also have fully functional mechanical workshops, refueling facilities, underground infrastructure for electric bus charging, automated bus-cleaning systems, driver's rest areas, and office space.[17]
At the opening, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said, "The MyCiTi service expansion is one of the pillars of Cape Town’s record infrastructure investments, which amounts to R40 billion over the next three years, with 75% directly benefitting lower-income households".[17]
Remove ads
Station artwork
In October 2010 the City of Cape Town put out a call for proposals for artists and designers to create artwork on the glass panels at the entrance of the MyCiTi stations.[18]
Payments
MyCiTi buses require cashless fare payment using the EMV compliant smart card system, called myconnect. These cards can be bought from MyCiTi stations, or at participating retailers. They can then be loaded at stations, participating retailers, and ABSA ATMs.[19]
Riders can also buy disposable, single-use cards. Children under 4 years of age can travel for free on MyCiTi buses.[19]
Ridership
Summarize
Perspective
* A passenger trip (journey) is defined by MyCiTi. It "is calculated from the first boarding of a bus at a feeder stop or main station, to the last exit from a bus at a feeder stop or main station, and includes any transfers between buses (single journey)".[23]
Remove ads
Current structure
Summarize
Perspective
MyCiTi Bus Network: Coverage and Structure
The MyCiTi BRT system provides a growing network of efficient, safe, and reliable public transport. Initially launched to serve the West Coast corridor, the network has expanded significantly to cover key areas across the city, catering to commuters, tourists, and residents alike.
West Coast Corridor
The system's first phase focused on connecting areas like Table View, Blaauwberg, Dunoon, and Atlantis, where public transport options were previously limited, and no rail service existed. This pilot route addressed congestion along the coastal R27 road and supported economic links between the dormitory town of Atlantis and central Cape Town. As a result, suburbs such as Parklands, Big Bay, and Dunoon now benefit from improved accessibility. Partnerships with the city's minibus taxi industry helped integrate services while reducing competition and traffic on MyCiTi routes.
Central Cape Town and Feeder Services
The central city is a hub for MyCiTi services, with routes connecting to major destinations such as Gardens, the V&A Waterfront, and Salt River. The popular 102 route links Salt River with the Civic Centre via District 6 and Woodstock, serving Cape Peninsula University of Technology students and connecting to rail and Golden Arrow services.
Century City
MyCiTi offers direct access to Century City, a growing mixed-use development, with multiple routes connecting surrounding communities. The T04 route between Dunoon and Century City is a vital link, alongside services from Montague Gardens, Summer Greens, and Milnerton.
N2 Express
Launched in 2014, the N2 Express routes connect Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha with Cape Town's Civic Centre, providing an essential service to these densely populated areas. Routes such as D01, D02, and D03 offer convenient access to hospitals, schools, and local amenities, laying the foundation for a larger network planned for Cape Town's southeast.
City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard
The MyCiTi network extensively serves Cape Town's central business district and Atlantic Seaboard, with routes linking popular destinations like Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay. Stations at Civic Centre, Adderley, and Gardens accommodate over 200,000 passengers monthly. Routes to Sea Point, Fresnaye, and Imizamo Yethu cater to both locals and tourists, offering affordable travel to scenic and cultural hotspots.
The key routes of the MyCiTi BRT service include:
- Dunoon–Table View–Civic Centre–Waterfront
- Atlantis–Table View–Civic Centre
- Century City–Montague Gardens
- Salt River–Walmer Estate–Civic Centre
- Hout Bay–Sea Point–Adderley
- Khayelitsha East–Civic Centre
- Mitchells Plain East–Civic Centre
Remove ads
Development
Summarize
Perspective
Phase 1A
The Blaauwberg–Dunoon–Atlantis corridor was prioritised due to its severe traffic congestion, which was expected to worsen with future development. This area faced some of the highest congestion levels in the city, making it a critical focus for intervention.
Key factors influencing the decision to prioritize this corridor included the fact that while minibus taxis are one of Cape Town's most popular modes of transport, their presence within this corridor was limited. This shortage made commuting in and out of the area increasingly challenging, forcing many residents to rely on private vehicles, which further exacerbated traffic congestion.
This corridor also included a potential to attract a larger catchment of commuters who might otherwise rely on private vehicles thereby reducing congestion and promoting the use of public transport. Additionally, the limited presence of minibus taxi operators in the area offered a more controlled environment to implement and evaluate new transport solutions and strategies, making it an ideal setting for testing the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed transportation intervention.
Phase 2A
Phase 2A is a multi-year expansion project for the MyCiTi bus service, that commenced with construction in 2023. This phase will extend the network from Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to Wynberg and Claremont. The project is funded by the national government, and municipal rates.[31]
The new phase is valued at over R4 billion, and once complete, is expected to connect 35 new suburbs and 1.4 million residents,[13] as well as transport up to 100,000 passengers per day, reducing traffic and carbon emissions in the city.[31]
Key Features of Phase 2A
The backbone of Phase 2A will operate along Govan Mbeki Road, with trunk routes traveling through dedicated bus lanes. Stations along these routes will enable commuter transfers.
Beyond transport improvements, the project incorporates significant upgrades to infrastructure, including roads, intersections, and public spaces. Features such as landscaping, wider pavements, improved street lighting, public art, and signage aim to revitalise the corridor, boost the local economy, and attract further development.
Planned Trunk Routes
The concept design for the main routes and stations was approved in 2016, with a subsequent portion approved in 2019 after extensive public participation. Drawing from lessons learned during Phase 1, Phase 2A will serve diverse communities, including:
- Mitchells Plain, Lentegeur, Phola Park
- Khayelitsha, Nolungile
- Gugulethu, Crossroads, Manenberg, Hanover Park
- Philippi, Nyanga, Ottery, Plumstead, Diep River
- Strandfontein, Claremont, Wynberg, Constantia, Hout Bay
The various routes of the MyCiTi Phase 2A project includes
East Packages:
- E1: Heinz Road
- E2: Emms Drive
- E3: Govan Mbeki Road, Philippi
- E4: Morgenster Road
- E5: Spine Road
- E6: AZ Berman Drive
- E7: Mew Way
- E8: Stock Road
West Packages:
- W1: Imam Haron Road
- W2: Turf Hall Road
- W3: Jan Smuts Drive (Lansdowne)
- W4: Govan Mbeki Road (Hanover Park, Philippi, Wynberg)
- W5: Ottery
- W6: Wynberg Couplet
- W8: South Road
Depots and Staging Facilities
- Spine Road Depot
- Wynberg Depot
Additional Infrastructure:
- Lentegeur Pedestrian Bridge
Stations and Public Transport Interchanges (PTIs)
- Stations: Claremont
PTIs: Vuyani PTI, Nyanga PTI, Wynberg PTI
Phase 3
Phase 3 is set to connect Cape Town CBD, the city's main commercial node, with Bellville, the city's second-largest commercial area.[32]
Phase 4
The 4th and final phase of the initial MyCiTi development plan will have the system connect Cape Town with Stellenbosch - a town located around 50 km away from the city.[32]
Remove ads
References
External links
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads