Disabled transport service being abused

2010-11-03 12:24

Cape Town - Disabled people using special public transport in Cape Town need to re-register in an attempt to eliminate those who abuse the Dial-a-Ride (DAR) service, the City of Cape Town said on Wednesday.

"The service currently transports approximately 200 persons a day and the City's transport department must ensure that all current and future passengers utilise the service for its original purpose: travel between work and home," said the City's head of marketing and passenger services, Ester Moag.

Users must submit their applications for the subsidised service which is there to transport physically disabled people between work and home.

"It is an important service because it allows persons with physical disabilities to use public transport to access economic opportunities and is intended to ensure that they are still able to work.

"The City's DAR service is designed expressly for those who have a physical disability which prevents them from using mainstream public transport such as busses, trains and minibus taxis for their daily commute between home and work."

The new registration process will include an assessment by an independent occupational therapist.

All existing DAR registrations will expire on December 31.

- SAPA