Western Cape Network on Disability calls for expansion of Dial-a-Ride service

The Western Cape Network on Disability has called for the Dial-a-Ride service to be expanded and not just returned to its previous form.

The service is a dedicated kerb-to-kerb service for people with disabilities who are unable to access mainstream public transport services.

The latest calls come after the group submitted its review application to the Western Cape High Court last week. 

The submission is the next step in the ongoing legal challenge against the City of Cape Town’s decision to scale back the Dial-a-Ride services. 

The city must now submit the record of decision within 15 court days before proceedings continue.

The network's acting treasurer, Anthony Ghillino, said an interim interdict remains in force.
 
"We are asking the courts to instruct them to come up with a plan, with a plan of action so that people with disabilities will have access to accessible transport, and to once and for all put down in black and white who is responsible for transport in Cape Town."

But Ghillino said there were some concerns. 
 
"With regards to the reduction of the service, we've received a number of reports from users of the Dial-a-Ride system, trying to book trips that the service appears to have been reduced. We’ve heard that they have reduced the amount of ad hoc trips from 30 per day to 15 per day."

EWN has reached out to the city for comment.