Cape Town Traffic Crisis Spurs Call for Public Transport Overhaul, MEC Warns

With the Mother City now ranked as the ninth most congested city in the world, Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku has warned that traffic gridlock is not just an inconvenience but a threat to livelihoods, businesses, and the environment.

Speaking at the launch of Mobility Month on Wednesday, Sileku hosted a high-level panel discussion in Cape Town, bringing together leaders from across the transport sector to confront one of the province’s most pressing challenges: how to ease congestion and improve public transport.

The panel included representatives from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS), the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), and leading academics. Collectively, they emphasised that while congestion cannot be completely eliminated, smart, coordinated solutions can significantly improve travel conditions.

The Cost of Congestion

According to data presented, around 60% of cars during peak hours carry only a single passenger, adding unnecessary pressure on the city’s roads. This has translated into lost productivity, higher business costs, worsening emissions, and reduced quality of life for millions of residents.

Sileku warned:

“We cannot build our way out of congestion. We must manage it with innovative and practical solutions. That means enabling public transport to be the first choice for commuters and ensuring rail, buses, taxis, and e-hailing can coexist effectively.”

Rail as the Backbone of Public Transport

PRASA Regional Manager Raymond Maseko said the recovery of Cape Town’s rail network is critical to solving the congestion crisis.

“We aim to move one million passengers a day. Passenger rail must anchor public transport, supported by other modes,” he said.

The revival of the Central Line, introduction of new trains, expansion of park-and-ride facilities, and deployment of the Rail Enforcement Unit are key elements of the rail recovery plan.

Expanding Bus and Taxi Services

Golden Arrow Bus Services, which already carries 230 000 passengers daily, is being expanded alongside the MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit network and the dedicated N2 bus lane.

Meanwhile, SANTACO Provincial Chairperson Mandla Hermanus revealed that the taxi industry is beginning to adopt higher-capacity vehicles, such as 23- and 25-seaters, to carry more commuters while reducing operational costs.

With 75% of commuters relying on minibus taxis, Hermanus said the sector is committed to both efficiency and safety improvements.

Non-Motorised Transport and Behavioural Change

The province’s transport strategy also seeks to expand non-motorised mobility options. Projects are underway to improve safe walking and cycling routes, supported by the annual distribution of more than 400 bicycles to communities.

In addition, Sileku said the strategy requires a shift in travel behaviour, encouraging carpooling, flexible working hours, remote work, and greater use of technology to reduce unnecessary trips.

The Three-Pillar Strategy

Sileku outlined the province’s congestion management plan, built on three pillars:

1. Strengthening public transport – making rail, bus, and taxis the backbone of urban mobility.

2. Expanding non-motorised transport – safe cycling and walking routes across communities.

3. Shifting commuter behaviour – promoting shared transport and flexible mobility options.

Mobility Month: Reclaiming Lost Hours

Sileku said that Mobility Month is not only about transport logistics but about reshaping how mobility underpins social and economic wellbeing.

“At the heart of Mobility Month is one simple goal – to keep goods and people moving safely and efficiently across the Western Cape. We want to reclaim lost hours, unlock economic growth, and restore dignity in how people move,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Experts at the discussion agreed that addressing Cape Town’s congestion crisis requires a long-term, integrated approach that puts public transport at the centre of planning. With rail revival, bus expansion, and taxi reform underway, government hopes to create a more efficient, safe, and sustainable system.

For residents, the stakes are high: tackling congestion could mean not only shorter commutes but also stronger economic growth, reduced pollution, and improved quality of life for millions across the Western Cape.