Public transport, still a challenge for disabled passengers

However, for the physically disabled, public transport presents a new set of challenges.

Bafana Mabena (40) from White City KwaThema uses a wheelchair and says he has seen taxi drivers look the other way while he tries to stop them.

When he travels a long distance he’s forced to ask someone to accompany him and he has to pay for two people. “It’s even worse when it rains, a taxi driver will be hooting but ignore you to avoid getting out and assisting you,” explains Bafana.

He also adds that some of the problems are a result of some drivers adding extra seats in the space meant for luggage and wheelchairs. He sometimes waits at the rank until a taxi with space gets a turn to load passengers, “I have even been told that I have to pay for my wheelchair.”

For Bafana, trains and buses are not even an option as that means he has to be picked up. “Being lifted and assisted to that extent is not good for a person’s self esteem and you lose your independence, we are part of society and should be accommodated,” concludes Bafana.

While for Zandi Mbatha (44) from Tsakane, her biggest issue is with other passengers. She wears a caliper (boot) and can’t bend her leg and the only seat she can occupy is the front seat.

This presents a particular challenge when she finds someone sitting in the front seat.

“You can see people getting annoyed when you ask them to swap seats and some will just refuse.”

Zandi has resorted to waiting until a taxi with no passengers in the front seat comes. “I have gotten tired of being a nuisance to people and this is the best solution,” she says.

These members of Vukuzenzele Association for the Physically Disabled agree that their only hope now is the proposed Rea Vaya bus rapid transport system which is wheelchair-friendly.