MyCiTi service ‘restores senior citizens’ dignity’

BRETT Herron, the city’s mayoral committee member for transport and urban development, said he was impressed how the MyCiTi bus service was used by the elderly.

He spoke to a group of senior citizens in Sea Point.

“I am overwhelmed because providing an efficient, integrated public transport system that works for Capetonians of all ages, especially our most vulnerable citizens, is at the heart of our commitment.

“Senior citizens often lose their independence, feel isolated and miss out on things happening in and around their area due to complications associated with old age that affects their ability to move around with ease.

“It warms my heart to see that the MyCiTi bus service could assist in restoring their dignity by increasing their ability to engage socially with their environment. Interaction with the world around us reduces loneliness and improves mental health, no matter what your age,” said Herron.

The seniors also use the bus for shopping, hospital visits and attending meetings.

“We take the MyCiTi bus from West Beach to do our shopping at Bayside. We also use the MyCiTi bus to go to the Living Legends monthly meeting as we do not have any transport,” said Bev Bos and her mother, Irma Blackburn.

“I have taken the MyCiTi bus on three occasions to the Home Affairs Office. It is safe to walk from the Civic Centre to the Home Affairs Office. I will never consider going to town by car because on the MyCiTi bus you have no parking problems, no traffic, it is fast, it is safe and it is cheap,’ said Marianne Clayden.

“I urge everyone to take advantage of the MyCiTi service during off-peak times as it is cheaper, has spare capacity,and travels to great places,” said Herron. |