City of Cape Town restricts bus access to Bo-Kaap

In response to ongoing community concerns, the City of Cape Town has prohibited large tour buses from accessing the Bo-Kaap area.

As reported by Travel News, this decision follows persistent protests from residents who have raised issues about the heavy traffic congestion caused by these oversized vehicles.

Buses are restricted in Bo-Kaap

A key point of contention has been Upper Wale Street, which locals argue is too narrow to safely accommodate buses carrying 36 passengers or more.

“Those who are familiar with the Bo-Kaap are well aware of the steep and narrow roads. Given the area’s geometrical challenges, the entry of large tour buses has to be restricted to ensure the free movement of general traffic into and from the area,” said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas.

What’s to be done?

To address the issue, the City recently unveiled design plans aimed at formalising parking, holding, and stopping zones, with the following measures set to be implemented:

• Smaller tour buses will only be permitted to use the drop-and-go outside the Bo-Kaap Museum on Wale Street and must then proceed to parking in the allocated area behind the Schotsche Kloof Civic Centre on Yusuf Drive.
• Large tour buses (36+ seaters) will be restricted from entering the Bo-Kaap via Wale Street.
• The existing parking along Buitengracht (southern approach), south of Wale Street, will be converted into a stop-and-drop facility for buses.
• An existing parking embayment along Buitengracht, between Church and Shortmarket streets, will also have three bus bays.