6 days ago
Blind commuters left in the lurch as Cape Town's Dial-a-Ride service restricts access
Dial-a-Ride has announced changes to their services as of September 8.
Image: Supplied
The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is investigating two complaints against the City of Cape Town's Dial-a-Ride service, following its announcement to exclusively transport eligible wheelchair users, excluding the blind community.
Blind commuters, many of whom work in and around the City, have been given until September 8 to find alternative transport to their workplaces, as the Dial-a-Ride service said it was oversubscribed and suffering severe capacity challenges with its R28.2 million annual budget being insufficient for the current R40 million operating costs.
They announced that effective September 8, the service will exclusively transport eligible wheelchair users and those with severe walking impairments between Monday to Friday during peak periods, with minimal weekend and public holiday services for work-related travel.
The trips will be strictly between work and home and not recreational activities.
The Western Cape Network on Disability has since called on the City to halt their restrictions, engage with role players, and commit to implementing a fully accessible, integrated public transport system in line with the Constitution.
The SAHRC on Tuesday confirmed they received complaints against the City's Dial-a-Ride service.
'To confirm that the WCPO (Western Cape Provincial Office) has received two complaints in this regard.
'To confirm that there are matters currently under investigation as lodged against Dial-a-Ride.'
Board chairperson of the Western Cape Network on Disability, Michelle Botha, said the suspension of services to the blind was an infringement of human rights, and placed them in a position of vulnerability.
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'Under the new criteria, the service will only transport certain wheelchair users and people with severe walking impairments, and only between home and work during peak hours,' she said.
'All trips to education, healthcare, recreation, community activities, sport, and other essential services will be cut. Blind and visually impaired users will be excluded entirely.
'This decision is not simply a budgetary adjustment. It is a denial of the constitutional right to equality, dignity, and full participation in society. For many disabled people, DaR (Dial-a-Ride) is the only form of accessible transport available. The claim that there are viable alternatives such as MyCiTi buses, specialist e-hailing, or NGO transport is misleading.
'MyCiTi does not serve all areas, its infrastructure is not fully accessible, and hardware often fails. Golden Arrow buses remain inaccessible despite legislation. Specialist e-hailing is prohibitively expensive for most, and may still refuse users with assistance dogs despite their official policy.
'NGO transport is already overstretched, despite the fact that providing public transport is not the mandate of disability organisations.'
Amanda Matthee has been using Dial-a-Ride for over 20 years and is disappointed by the City's decision to exclude the blind from transportation services.
Image: Supplied
