Activists call for restoration of Dial-a-Ride services

ACTIVISTS with disabilities have rallied for the immediate restoration of the Dial-A-Ride service, highlighting the critical need for accessible transport in their daily lives.

- FOUZIA VAN DER FORT

During the peaceful demonstration at the Civic Centre on Monday, they expressed frustration at not being able to access school, healthcare, work, and other basic rights without the service.

This follows the City of Cape Town's announcement that due to budget constraints, the service needed to be realigned and will only transport eligible wheelchair users and those with severe walking impairments.

As of September 8, the City said it will transport eligible clients between their places of work and home only.

Nontsikelelo Mosoluli, 55, from Khayelitsha, who uses a wheelchair after her left leg, from the knee, was amputated in 2014, said she needed the Dial-A-Ride service to go to hospital and the shop.

"I last used their services last month to get to Groote Schuur Hospital," she said, adding that it was cheaper than other transport and staff helped her in and out of the vehicle.

"It is easy for us people with disabilities," she said.