New phase of MyCiTi expansion sparks mixed reactions
A MyCiTi bus in Cape Town. The City has launched a new construction phase of the MyCiTi expansion that will eventually connect commuters from Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with Wynberg and Claremont.
Image: File
Cape Town has started a new phase of construction in its MyCiTi expansion project that will eventually connect commuters from Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with Wynberg and Claremont.
The latest works form part of the City’s broader plan to extend the MyCiTi bus service across the metro south-east, linking communities along a corridor running from the southern suburbs through Lansdowne, Philippi, Crossroads, Gugulethu and Hanover Park.
Speaking at the start of construction along Imam Haron Road in Claremont, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the rollout marked a significant milestone in the City’s public transport expansion.
“It’s a happy and symbolic day in Cape Town today because we’ve just kicked off the construction of the penultimate phase of our huge MyCiTi expansion project,” he said.
Hill-Lewis said the route would stretch from Claremont through Lansdowne and several metro south-east communities before reaching Khayelitsha, while also serving Mitchells Plain.
“Huge construction works, we really are turning Cape Town into a construction site,” he said.
The mayor also thanked residents in the southern suburbs for their patience as construction continues, warning that roadworks could cause congestion and disruptions.
“I want to thank Capetonians, particularly now that we’ve started here, the residents of Claremont and Kenilworth for their patience as the construction unfolds. It will lead to some congestion and inconvenience, but I know that you will be patient because so much better is coming,” he said.
Meanwhile, the City has called on residents to comment on proposed MyCiTi bus stop locations in the Wynberg area, which will form part of the route linking the metro south-east to the southern suburbs.
According to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, the infrastructure programme is progressing steadily.
“The roll-out of the second phase of the MyCiTi bus service is making great progress and we are on track to have the first buses operating in the latter part of 2027,” Quintas said.
The City is proposing 12 bus stops and embayments in the Wynberg area that will allow buses to safely pick up and drop off passengers while the construction of the dedicated MyCiTi trunk route continues. The stops will serve buses operating in mixed traffic between the Sky Circle interchange in Lansdowne and the Wynberg public transport interchange.
Community groups have responded with a mix of support and concern.
Spokesperson for the Mitchells Plain United Residents Association, Michael Jacobs, said: "As the Mitchells Plain United Residents Association we welcome the progress made so far on the MyCiti roll out and despite the many obstacles, challenges and frustrations experienced by motorists due to roadworks it will in the long run ease traffic congestion on our roads.
“However, we need to see more law enforcement and traffic officers on routes under construction as motorists have become targets of smash and grabbers due to sitting in very slow and congested traffic.”
He added that improved connectivity between Mitchells Plain and other parts of the city would benefit commuters.
“That said, the MyCiti connectivity between Mitchells Plain and other routes will certainly be economical and a much more pleasant driving experience for commuters,” Jacobs said.
However, civic group Stop COCT has raised concerns about delays and the impact of construction on traffic.
Stop COCT’s Sandra Dickson said the organisation viewed the MyCiTi Phase 2A expansion with “measured concern”.
“Last May's Claremont groundbreaking and current roadworks along Govan Mbeki and Imam Haron roads remains a headache,” Dickson said.
“While this signals commitment to connecting underserved communities via dedicated bus lanes and stations, the project's execution remains plagued by chronic delays from tender mishaps, informal settlement relocations and pushing full services well beyond 2027.”
Dickson said ongoing lane reductions and temporary road closures had created daily congestion on already busy routes.
“With R7 billion at stake from national grants, it's unacceptable and the public feels sidelined amid these disruptions. We deserve transparent timelines, rigorous oversight, and genuine community engagement to ensure this expansion delivers reliable transport rather than endless excuses and inconvenience,” she said.
Residents have until March 30 to submit comments on the proposed bus stop locations through the City’s public participation process.