Cape Town – The City of Cape Town has made plans for residents living on its Mitchells Plain, Hout Bay and Khayelitsha MyCiTi bus routes to get home safe and sound this Sunday.
In anticipation of over 80 000 residents making their way to the CBD this Sunday for its Festive Lights Switch-on, the City says its MyCiTi service will operate unique late-night bus rides for commuters from Hout Bay, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha.
City of Cape Town Urban Mobility Mayco member Rob Quintas said the switching on of the festive lights in Adderley Street in the Cape Town central business district was a spectacular occasion marking the beginning of the festive season.
He said: “This year will be extra special as life is returning to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic when we did not have the freedom to get together in big groups. We know this event is top-rated and will add late-night buses for residents travelling from Hout Bay and the metro south-east.”
“Commuters must have a valid MyConnect card to use the service and are advised to check the schedules closer to the days they want to travel.
“I encourage families to hop on the bus and enjoy the evening’s celebrations. It is an easy, safe, and convenient way of travelling to the CBD and back,” Quintas said.
According to the City, the last bus trips will depart at 11.15pm from either the Civic Centre station or the station in Adderley Street.
All timetables and route information for MyCiTi buses are available at https://www.myciti.org.za, or on the MyCiTi app.
Since its initial concert line-up, the City of Cape Town has added one more big music personality to the group.
Event-goers will be treated to a performance by renowned musician Zakes Bantwini.
Bantwini will anchor an all-star line-up which also includes Mi Casa, Emo Adams, Will Linley, Abavuki, Sasha-Lee and more for the free open-air concert.
City of Cape Town safety and security Mayco member JP Smith said the City would also be deploying its safety and security personnel who will work with the SAPS and private security to ensure that all the patrons at the event are safe.
Smith said: “We would like to remind residents and visitors that there will be zero tolerance of any weapons, alcohol, drugs and other illegal substances at the event.
“We are aware that in previous years there have been some elements who sought to bring anti-social behaviour to this event and those people must be warned that our personnel on the ground will not hesitate to act swiftly against these actions.”
Smith revealed that entrance into the festival footprint will be through 13 chutes, which will open from 1pm ahead of the event’s start at 4pm.
He said: “Patrons will be searched at all entrance chutes and festival attendees found in possession of any prohibited items will be turned away.”
Prohibited items on the City’s list include weapons, alcohol, drugs, glass, hookah pipes, fireworks, umbrellas and gazebos, gas spray cans or any other corrosive.
“This year’s event is themed ‘City of Hope’ and it’s an opportunity for all of us to celebrate together after a very difficult two-year period.
“We will be playing our part as the City to ensure these festivities are enjoyable to patrons of all age groups.
“We would like to appeal to all those who plan on attending to contribute to this spirit of festivities by adhering to the requirements,” Smith said.
The City will also be partnering with the KID SMART Project to provide a sophisticated monitoring system to help reunite any lost children with their parents. Children will be kitted out with a temporary “SMART” bracelet on arrival at the event, with the contact details of their parents.