"We want Dial-A-Ride!" - Protesters shares frustration about services that will scale down

Persons with disabilities were picketing outside the Cape Town Civic Center on Monday, against cuts to the Dial-A-Ride service. The protest started at Artscape and moved to the Cape Town Civic Center.

VIDEO: Shaneca Cupido

The service, which is used by disabled people to move around the City, will be scaled back from 8 September, and will only be available for wheelchair users and people with severe walking impairments.

 The City said that the changes were due to budget constraints.

 Tensions were running high outside the Cape Town Civic Centre, as people with disabilities seek answers from the municipality about the scaling back of the Dial-A-Ride service. The City’s decision means people with visual and cognitive impairments, the elderly, and organisations using the service to transport people with disabilities will be excluded.

Protesters in #CapeTown are currently engaged in a peaceful protest against the changes to #DialARide announced by the City of Cape Town. @Bushradionews 89.5FM will bring the updates #DisabilityRights #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs pic.twitter.com/eFHy7ov6hI

— Bush Radio 89.5 FM (@Bushradio) August 25, 2025

Dial-A-Ride user Debbie Bedien has accused the City of failing disabled people. "Why is the cycle lane so important? Because our Premier might want to ride a bike and he has two functional legs. What about those who cannot walk?"

VIDEO - Shaneca Cupido: Artscape CEO, Marlene Le Roux, addressing protesters on the impact Dial-A-Ride service has on people with disabilities

Mayco Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas said he would look into the list of grievances presented to the metro.

VIDEO - Shaneca Cupido: MMC Quintas addressing crowd

 

Done by: Shaneca Cupido