ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the aspirations of – and path dependencies presented by – paratransit operations, as well as attempts to reform these operations in Cape Town and the engagement process underpinning these reforms. It begins with a description of the paratransit service improvement and regulatory frameworks that are in place at national and local government levels, and follows with a description of the Cape Town municipality’s approach to (and progress with) reforming public transport through the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services (in the form of the City of Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transport plan and MyCiTi services) and associated paratransit operator incorporation and compensation packages. One author of this chapter (McLachlan) was directly involved in the negotiations around the incorporation and compensation processes. The next section of the chapter presents a broader discussion around paratransit reform and business aspirations in Cape Town, based on the findings of in-depth interviews with paratransit owners and associations both within and outside the current areas affected by MyCiTi services. These interviews were conducted by the other chapter author (Schalekamp).
