Everything you need to know about using MyCiti buses in Cape Town

Visiting CPT? MyCiti provides a comprehensive service from the city to the suburbs…

11-11-2017 09:54

Established during the FIFA 2010 World Cup, the MyCiti bus service has been a godsend to Cape Town, ferrying citizens and tourists alike across the Mother City at fair and affordable rates.

It’s convenient, cost-effective and consistent. Much quicker than darting about on foot, and much less hassle then catching a taxi. There are 36 routes in total, and around 60,000 daily riders. It’s true what the say; the customer is always right!

Everything you need to know about MyCiti:

How much does it cost to ride a MyCiti bus?

You can get around the city centre for as little as R6.40 (About 40p in English currency, based on travel from Adderley to V&A Waterfront outside of peak hours).

Prices are dependant on the distance you travel. Below is the maximum fare you can expect to pay for each journey length. Prices do increase during peak hours – 06:45-08:00 and 16:15-17:30.

Journey distance bands:

(The most you can expect to pay per journey)

0-5km: R9.80
5-10km: R17.50
10-20km: R23.50
20-30km: R25.80
30-40km: R28.10
40-50km: R32 – R34
50-60km: R36.10
60-100km: R39.40

These costs will increase if you’re travel involves the airport. Should you decide to commute between Cape Town International and the City, use the MyCiti fare calculator to determine what you owe. The calculator is also a handy tool to use for your inner-city travels, too.

You will, however, need to pick up a MyCiti card in order to travel on the buses. Not to fear though, the process is incredibly easy and it’s worth five minutes of your time…

How do I apply for a MyCiti card?

It doesn’t get any less complicated than this. Either visit one of the MyCiti kiosks located at these bus stops, or pop in to any of these stores to get your card:

It will cost you R35 for the ‘myconnect’ card, but even if you only take one or two trips, you’ve already spent less than you would on an Uber across town.

How can I save money on MyCiti travel?

If possible, you must avoid travelling during peak hours. Secondly, once you’re in possession of a myconnect card, you have to load credit on it. By selecting a ‘mover package’ either in store or at a kiosk, you can slash 30% off of your trips. Top up with one of the following amounts to get your discount:

R35, R50, R60, R80, R100, R200, R300, R400, R600 or R1 000.

How does the MyCiti card work?

Now you’ve got a card in your name, and it has a credit balance, it’s time to use it. When you hop on the bus, there is an electronic screen next to the driver. Simply tap your card upon entry and exit of the bus. If you’re getting on at a station, you’ll tap on a screen located next to the access gates.

A green light in response means your good to go. A yellow light means you have R20 or less remaining and need a top up. A red light indicates that it either didn’t scan properly, the card is not valid, or you haven’t got the funds to travel.

Make sure you’re diligent with your tapping, too. You will be charged a R25 penalty to your MyCiti account (R114 if your journey connects with the Airport) for the following things:

Forgetting to tap in or tap out
Tapping the wrong validator (tapping at one stop, getting off at another)
If you don’t have enough money for your trip

First time offenders get three strikes, where a penalty will only cost them R10. After that, hopefully lessons are learned and you won’t make the same mistakes.

How do I check my MyCiti (myconnect) balance?

You can check your balance, obtain a statement of recent transactions or change the myconnect PIN at MyCiTi station kiosks and any Absa ATM. You need your myconnect PIN number to access these services – which will be given to you when you buy your card at a kiosk or in store – and includes the option to change the PIN.

Can I pay for a friend on my MyCiti card?

No you can’t. You must have your own card for travel. It may be a rigid system, but it helps regulate who is able to jump on and off the bus.

Where does the MyCiti bus travel to?

There are 36 routes available which comprehensively cover Cape Town and its outer suburbs. You can go as far south as Hout Bay, and up the northern coast all the way to Mamre, Melkbosstrand and Atlantis. This handy system map can help you plan your trips, and help broaden your horizons whilst you’re in CPT.