WC COSATU appeals to CoCT to review decision to cut back Dial-a-Ride service

CAPE TOWN - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Western Cape is appealing to the City of Cape Town to review its decision to make cuts to the Dial-a-Ride service, a dedicated kerb-to-kerb service for people with disabilities who are unable to access mainstream public transport services.

The federation said the service was not a luxury, but a lifeline for people living with disabilities to help them access health and educational facilities and social activities.

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COSATU wants the city to publicly commit to a policy of universal access and inclusion, ensuring that budget allocations protect services for people with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

COSATU’s provincial secretary, Malvern De Bruyn, said more consultation was needed before making a decision of this nature.

"We are saying that is an inhumane decision because the city knows the issues that we are confronted with in Cape Town with regard to transport. 

"To take that essential service away from these people that must go to work, that must go to church, must go to the malls, etcetera, to take that away is really not a well-informed decision."