Travel Services and Vehicle Hire
Suitable and affordable accessible transport for persons of all disabilities remains a challenge and is one of the largest barriers to independence.
Much of the Public Transport that is available to the general public is not always accessible to wheelchair users, while many persons with Visual Impairments and Intellectual Impairments require extra assistance, which is not always available.
Government projects often include introducing services to specific Cities or Provinces, these services cater and are accessible for some persons with disabilities – but many rural areas in South Africa do not have public transport, let alone accessible transport. These areas are largely reliant on the taxi industry which also carries challenges for persons with disabilities.
There are however private companies and organisations who also specialize in the transport of persons with disabilities in South Africa. They offer Airport shuttle services, Charter Service or some include a Self-Drive option.
In this article, we will give you more information about the organisations and companies that can assist you and highlight some of these services that are available for all persons with disabilities.
What Are You Looking For?
1. Public Transport
i. Buses
– MyCiTI
– Go George
ii. Trains
– Gautrain
Automobiles
iii. Taxis
2. Government Subsidized Transport
– Dial-A-Ride
3. TDA Contact Centre
4. Private Transport and Car Rental
5. International Vehicle Hire and Transport Companies
Public and Private Accessible Transport Services
Many Persons with disabilities are unable to drive and rely on Public Transport to get around, but this is often inaccessible, especially for those who use wheelchairs. There are however projects in place in certain areas, to improve Public Transport and make it more accessible to all persons with disabilities, as well as various companies and organisations such as the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Able2Travel, Daats and Easy Drive WC, who offer Accessible Transport services to people with disabilities.
Trains
The SA Rail service by and large is not accessible. If you need to use rail, and will require assistance, you will need to give the National Rail train companies advance notice. And don’t forget to check if the station also has accessible facilities.
The most accessible rail services currently available in SA are:
– Cape Town Rail
– GauTrain
1. Buses
The aim is to provide a quality public transport service that is reliable, affordable, safe, convenient and accessible, and contributes to a better quality of life for all.
SA Bus services attain this goal, to varying degrees.
To learn more about the Bus Service in your area, click on the relevant link below:
- JHB Centre: The Metrobus Service
- JHB to Soweto: Rea Vaya Bus Service
- CPT: MyCiTi
- Go George
2. Trains
The SA Rail service by and large is not accessible. If you need to use rail, and will require assistance, you will need to give the National Rail train companies advance notice.
And don’t forget to check if the station also has accessible facilities at both departure and destination points.
Wheelchairs On Trains:
On mainline (intercity, suburban and cross-country) trains, there is space for your wheelchair. Put your chair in this space and use the brakes (or switch your wheelchair’s power off) when the train’s moving.
Your Rights:
Your right to travel by train is protected by the train company’s Disabled People’s Protection Policy (DPPP). Each train company must produce a DPPP and you can get a copy from the company. The DPPP explains how the train company can help passengers with disabilities to use their stations and trains.
Disabled Person’s Railcard:
If you’re eligible you can get up to a third off on rail tickets by applying for a disabled person’s railcard. You must provide evidence of a relevant disability. Unfortunately there are still many train stations in many cities that are inaccessible for persons with disabilities, especially persons with Mobility Impairments who use wheelchairs.
A recent article revealed how inaccessible many of train stations in Cape Town are.
“Broken Lifts And Stairs For Commuters With Wheelchairs:
Long wait before Cape Town’s train stations will provide access for people with disabilities.”
Read More: ….
Gautrain
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link’s stations are fully accessible and every second train and feeder bus has special access for passengers with disabilities. All station environments, as well as the trains and buses, are specifically designed to provide easy access for the mobility impaired and to accommodate sight- and hearing impaired passengers. Non-slip surfaces, handrails and handholds aid people with difficulties in walking, gripping, reaching or balancing.
The Gautrain is in the Gauteng province, South Africa, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and OR international airport. Traveling at up to 160 kilometers per hour, the Gautrain takes 35 minutes to travel between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
From Sandton to the OR Tambo International Airport, it takes 15 minutes and provision has been made for air passengers to remotely check in at Sandton Station in future.
The blind and partially sighted are assisted by the following:
– The consistent use of colour contrasts, clear signage, good lighting and non-reflective surfaces.
– Audible as well as visual service announcements.
– Tactile and audible guidance and warning surfaces and systems, where appropriate.
The deaf or hard of hearing are assisted by the following:
– Visual as well as audible announcements.
– Induction loops (earphone jacks) at ticket vending machines.
– Clear signage
The Gautrain is in the Gauteng province, South Africa, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and OR international airport.
Traveling at up to 160 kilometers per hour, the Gautrain takes 35 minutes to travel between Johannesburg and Pretoria. From Sandton to the OR Tambo International Airport, it takes 15 minutes and provision has been made for air passengers to remotely check in at Sandton Station in future.
The rail network is 80 kilometers long and is connected to other forms of public transport like taxis, buses and the Metrorail public train system. Commuters can also use several Gautrain buses to destinations within a 15 kilometers radius. The Gautrain is in the Gauteng province, South Africa, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and OR international airport.
Main Station: Johannesburg Park Station, OR International Airport, Pretoria station.
Other Station: Centurion, Hatfield, Molbaro, Midrant, Rhodesfield, Rosebank and Sandton.
Route Map: It covers Hatfield, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, OR international airport, Rhodesfield, Marboro, Sandton, Rosebank and Park station.
Fares: Fares on the Johannesburg/Pretoria route are between R21.00 and R53.00, depending on the distance. Fares on the Gautrain Bus Link is R6.00 (R20.00 if the train is not used within one hour of the bus journey).
The method of payment on Gautrain buses uses the same personalized electronic ticket as for train travel, requiring a minimum balance of R20.00 for boarding a bus.
3. Automobiles
i. Taxis
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and council members in the nine provinces are working with municipalities and transport authorities to make taxis accessible to persons with disabilities.
Several taxi associations in different provinces have already introduced vehicles specially adapted for persons with disabilities. New taxis will be built in such a way that people who use wheelchairs can easily get in and out. All new taxis that have been specially adapted to accommodate wheelchairs, must have clear signs that say they are certified to carry wheelchair users.
Unfortunately there are still many Taxi services in South Africa that are not accessible for many persons with disabilities, some that are accessible, are not necessarily accessible to all persons with disabilities. Below are a couple of other Taxi Services that cater for persons with disabilities.
ii. Government Subsidized Transport
Government Subsidized Transport is available in order to make it cheaper for persons with disabilities to travel. The Dial-A-Ride service is heavily subsidized,
it is therefore important that it remains focused on providing transport for those who require it: This includes persons with Mobility, Visual and Intellectual Impairments who need to commute between home and work, who cannot board and use public transport due to their disability, and who have no other means of transport.
It is an important service because it allows persons with physical disabilities to use public transport to access economic opportunities and is intended to ensure that they are still able to work.
Dial-a-Ride
The Dial-A-Ride service collects and drops off persons with disabilities from their homes, thus providing a service, so that persons with disabilities will have equal opportunities. The service gives them a chance to travel to work, schools and other facilities. The service is part of the City’s goal to create an environment where passengers have confidence in the public transport system. The wheelchair friendly buses have been made available to accommodate persons with disabilities, their assistance and also their guide dogs.
Fares are based on the distance traveled and compare favorably with other modes of public transport. The Dial-A-Ride bus service is reasonably priced, with a fare of R2 a kilometer with average trip costing R10 to R14, depending on the distance travelled. The buses operate on weekdays from 05:30 to 19:30 and on weekends from 06:00 to 19:00.
For convenience, commuters can make telephonic bookings on a first-come-first serve basis.
The Dial-a-Ride service requires you to pre-register as a commuter for their kerb-to-kerb service, commuters need to book 7 days in advance.
Download and submit the application form, after which reservations can be made via the call centre (from within SA) on: 0800 656 463.
This service is available in Cape Town and is intended to be a temporary, limited public transport service that will serve as a bridging measure until all public transport becomes universally accessible. Find the Application For The Dial-A-Ride Public Transport Service here.
Read More: …
TDA Contact Centre
The City of Cape Town’s TDA Contact Centre is a 24 hour, seven-day-a-week call centre service that provides residents and visitors to Cape Town with information on public transport in Cape Town.
The TDA Contact Centre provides information on routes, schedules, ticket prices, ticket outlets and locations of interchanges, ranks and park-and-ride facilities. The public transport information is related to public transport services such as MyCiTi, Cape Metrorail, Golden Arrow Bus Services, as well as Park-and-Ride facilities, Dial-a-Ride and kerbside parking management.
In addition to this the TDA Contact Centre offers information on long distance bus, rail and taxi operators, the location of tourist information centres, heritage sites and popular attractions in and around Cape Town.
The service is currently available in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. All calls are recorded to maintain the centre’s fast and efficient call response. Call 0800 65 64 63 or send us a message. Read More: ….
iii. Private Transport and Car Rental Companies
Private Transport Companies and Organisations offer persons with disabilities an alternative to Public Transport services which are not always available. Persons with Mobility Impairments who you use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters and who are travelling within South Africa may need to rent an accessible minivan with a wheelchair accessible lift, or a vehicle with Hand Controls.
There are however private companies and organisations such as QASA, Travel With René, DAATS and National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), who also specialize in the transport of persons with disabilities in South Africa, they offer services such as an Airport shuttle service, Charter Service or some include a Self-Drive option. Some companies and organizations such as QASA also rent out accessible or adapted vehicles with Hand Controls suitable for persons with Mobility Impairments to be able to drive themselves.
You can rent wheelchair accessible vehicles in major cities in South Africa, including Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Western Cape, Free State, Polokwane ( not entire Limpopo), Upington, Port Elizabeth and some other parts of the Eastern Cape. Some rental companies are situated near the airports to make renting a vehicle easier if arriving by airplane.
Some companies will drop off and pick up the vans from the airport for an extra fee, while some companies can also provide a driver with vehicle for an extra fee, making Transportation in these cities fairly easy if booked far enough in advance. If you require accessible transportation for longer periods of time, or will be driving outside of the city you’re flying into, renting a van from one of these companies may be your best option.
Below are the Companies or Organisations that provide these services for persons with disabilities in specific areas:
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) have vehicles to rent with hand controls and various other larger vehicles where persons can remain in their wheelchairs while in transit. These Accessible Vehicles are available to rent in Jhb and Gauteng area, Natal, Western Cape, Free State, Polokwane ( not entire Limpopo), Upington and Port Elizabeth. Read More
For more information contact Fanie Swanepoel or Danie Marais
Tel: +27 11 452 2774
Email: fanies@ncpd.org.za or danie@ncpd.org.za,
Visit www.ncpd.org.za
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) have vehicles to rent with hand controls and various other larger vehicles where persons can remain in their wheelchairs while in transit. These Accessible Vehicles are available to rent in Jhb and Gauteng area, Natal, Western Cape, Free State, Polokwane ( not entire Limpopo), Upington and Port Elizabeth. Read More
For more information contact Fanie Swanepoel or Danie Marais
Tel: +27 11 452 2774
Email: fanies@ncpd.org.za or danie@ncpd.org.za,
Visit www.ncpd.org.za
The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) is a non-profit organisation (NPO 000-881) of Quadriplegics and Paraplegics in South Africa. QASA’s mission is “to improve lives by securing resources to advocate, educate, capacitate, support and mobilize”.
QASA’s vision is that “all quadriplegics and paraplegics will live their lives to their full potential”.
QASA develops products, programmes and services for quadriplegic and paraplegic members to build their capacity and ensure opportunities for societal integration and empowerment.
These projects and Services include but are not limited to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) For hire:
QASA – Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) For hire: Persons with mobility impairments can hire specially adapted vehicles from QASA.
We offer accessible transport in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, which is equipped with a wheelchair lift and is available for rental with a driver.
QASA also offers various vehicles fitted with hand controls for hire to wheelchair users in South Africa. Read More
Disability Accessible Accommodation Travel & Supply (DAATS) was established in 2018 under the visionary leadership of Caroline Khomisani Malatji. Our unwavering commitment is to provide comprehensive and transparent solutions to a diverse clientele, while simultaneously championing the cause of universal accessibility.
At DAATS, innovation is at our core. We continually expand our product offerings, ensuring you have access to the latest advancements in adaptive solutions. Our online store is regularly updated with new products, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to universal accessibility.
Beyond our product catalogue, DAATS offers adaptive transportation services for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Our reliable and compassionate transportation services facilitate seamless journeys from clients’ homes to healthcare facilities, workplaces, airports, railway stations, and other important events.
At DAATS, we’ve set the standard for accessible solutions. Join us in our mission to promote universal access and explore our extensive product range through our user-friendly online store. Experience the DAATS difference today.
DAATS are based in Johannesburg but can provide products throughout South Africa.
You can contact them at: Tell 011 395 5189, Cell 067 744 9729, Email info@daats.co.za, or visit our website at: www.daats.co.za.
The company is owned by Renè Moses who is a quadriplegic as a result of a motor vehicle accident in 1995. She uses a motorised wheelchair & is a people’s–person and thrives on her dedication to customer care. She is a tour operator based in Cape Town and specialises in wheelchair accessible tours and transfers.
We specialise in tailor–made itineraries, transport services and tours for groups. Our listed Services include:
– Transport of mobility impaired persons.
– Airport to hotel transfers
– Customised private tours with a Registered Tour Guide or driver
– Reservation’s – Accommodation, activities, etc
– Extreme Activities: Shark cage diving, para-gliding
– Sourcing of medical products
– Surgical Tours
Our vehicles have been adapted with hydraulic wheelchair lifts to cater for wheelchair users, family and companions.
For the clients safety the wheelchair is secured to the floor by means of x4 floor restraints.
A body belt is placed around the wheelchair user and the wheelchair to ensure their safety.
We have the necessary permits, drivers have PDPs along with passenger and pubic liability covers.
Our vehicles are configured as follows:
The Toyota Quantum 2012 which caters for: 3 wheelchair users and 3 walkers (excl driver)
The New Toyota Quantum which caters for: 3 wheelchairs and 6 walkers
For More Information: Contact René on +(27) 82 770 9430,
Email: rene@travelwithrene.co.za, or visit their website at: www.travelwithrene.co.za
Car Rental Services
A challenge for drivers with Mobility Impairments, is renting a vehicle that is accessible to drive when they arrive in a new city by plane and don’t have their own vehicle.
Adapted rental cars, including those with hand controls, are now available from some of the larger car rental companies in South Africa such as Avis and Budget, while organisations such as QASA also supply this service.
QASA has vehicles with adaptations necessary to allow persons with disabilities the opportunity of car hire during their travels.
A vehicle with a hand control system is available at O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) and Durban for hire by members who require a self drive facility.
Visit our website at www.qasa.co.za to find out more.
Avis: We want car hire to be accessible to every driver, that’s why we offer a solution for disabled drivers in South Africa.
From Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria.
Booking must be made at least 72 hours in advance. No extra cost.
Call the National Call Centre on 0861 021 111 / +27 11 387 8431 / +27 11 923-3660,
Learn More: ….
Budget: Requires prior arrangement via reservations.
From Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
No extra cost.
Contact: +27 (0)11 398-0123 | e-mail: reservations@budget.co.za
Learn More: ….