Residents of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain may face delays in the planned expansion of the MyCiTi bus service if proposed public transport funding cuts are implemented, the Cape Town City Administration warned ahead of its budget presentation.
Member of the Majority Committee on Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, stated that the reduction in the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG-BFI) and the proposed cessation of this grant create uncertainty regarding the long-term funding required for expanding services and improving connectivity between residential areas and economic centers.
Quintas noted that the City's current allocation of approximately R7.1 billion for MyCiTi Phase 2A remains valid until June 2028. However, he emphasized that broader PTNG funding cuts and the planned discontinuation of the grant after this period pose serious uncertainty regarding the long-term sustainability and feasibility of system expansion.
It was indicated that funds amounting to R2.5 billion remain available during the 2026/27 and 2027/28 fiscal years. Nevertheless, beyond this period, there is no clear, detailed, or guaranteed funding structure for future expansion of MyCiTi corridors, completion of Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) plans, infrastructure support, operational growth, or fleet replacement.
Quintas explained that such uncertainty is significant because public transport infrastructure projects require stable and predictable funding, as well as long-term planning.
The City remains committed to expanding MyCiTi, particularly Phase 2A, known as the MSEC project. This project aims to provide integrated public transport connecting communities in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with the areas of Wynberg and Claremont.
However, he cautioned that uncertainty about future funding could jeopardize long-term plans and expansion projects. Quintas added that the City is particularly concerned that without guarantees of long-term funding, the pace and scale of future expansion may slow down or be reduced.
Work on the current implementation of MSEC continues across several construction packages in Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Wynberg, and Claremont. These works include road upgrades, creation of dedicated bus infrastructure, station construction, and depot development.
Quintas reported that MyCiTi serves approximately 19 million passenger trips annually. Although implementing a project of this scale presented challenges, the City remained confident that the service significantly improved mobility options for residents.
He noted that Cape Town's public transport challenges remain substantial, especially for low-income passengers who travel long distances between residential areas and economic centers. Therefore, the proposed funding cuts affect not only infrastructure projects but also directly impact passengers and the City's ability to improve mobility outcomes for residents.