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2010-01-26

One year

Exactly one year ago today, I started using the public transport system in Cape Town, South Africa.
There has been ups and downs, slow goes and no goes, ins and outs, queues and crowds, shocks and relief and a host of other emotions and feelings I can't even begin to describe.
I can summarise it though as follows:
The Good:
Trains were 90% on time
I've managed to read around 17 books on the train
I got a new perspective on life and this country
I've become fitter
I've saved more than R14000
Walking made me discover the city

The Bad:
When trains are late or don't show up, you're screwed
Bound by certain schedules
When crowding happens it's really bad
Smelly people
Loud people
Rude people
Sick people
(Very) Bad ticketing system
PRASA blue paint

The Ugly:
Golden Arrow busses
Golden Arrow Bus Services
Rude Golden Arrow bus drivers
No Golden Arrow bus schedule at stops
No Golden Arrow bus route information
110% Golden Arrow bus ticket price hike

4 comments. Leave your comment here:

  1. Hi, interested in your thoughts on the Ticketing system on train stations....
    How do you think this problems you experienced can be resolved?

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. hi arief,
    1. controlled access at every smaller station is a must, the cost will be covered with the tickets actually sold there...instead of people hopping on and off at every smaller station.
    2. ticket dispensing machines for self service on the spot tickets at the stations or at other franchised vendors would be great. the current system of person behind counter dates from the 70's
    3. control at cape town station is shocking at present, those people checking tickets are doing a half arsed job, sometimes not even checking what you have in your hand. it needs to be controlled with a automated system/machine, as in london's underground system or any other metro system around the globe.
    4. once the BRT is there, hopefully combo tickets for train+bus to certain areas
    5. more turnstiles at cape town station
    6. passenger inflow and outflow at turnstiles are currently clashing, it would be nice to have a flow architecture session to organise this tooin+bus to certain areas
    5. more turnstiles at cape town station
    6. passenger inflow and outflow at turnstiles are currently clashing, it would be nice to have a flow architecture session to organise this too

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