Getting around in the greater University area is very easy. UCT is situated on the slopes of Devil’s Peak in the suburb of Rondebosch. The main attractions in the area stretch from Woodstock to Claremont. There are so many good transport options available to you when you stay at The ReZident. Student accommodation near UCT doesn’t get more central than this! Most important is the fact that it only takes 13 minutes from rolling out of bed to get to campus – on foot! That’s right, the Uni is a mere stroll from The ReZident. But when you need to venture further afield, here are some of the options available to you:
1. Jamie Shuttle
A bus shuttle service, called the Jamie Shuttle, is available FREE to all UCT students and staff. A fleet of 26 buses, including a special one for disabled passengers, operates between residences, all UCT campuses and some public bus, train and parking facilities close to the university. UCT Shuttle buses run on a strictly controlled schedule. So you can plan your trip to the T.
For a route map and timetable check UCT Shuttle Overview or simply download the app.
2. MyCiti Bus Service
The MyCiti offers a safe and reliable journey with security staff at stations and CCTV cameras monitored by a central control centre. The buses are for everyone studying at UCT and cater for special requirements like bicycles, luggage and wheelchairs. But best of all it’s really cheap! Comfort, convenience and a fare system means you only pay for the distance you travel. No cash is needed, simply load travel money for the month on your myconnect card and you’re good to go. PLUS, ignore traffic as the buses have dedicated red lanes to get you where you need to go faster! Student living in Cape Town at its best!
3. Metrorail
Metrorail Western Cape has a network of rail services for the greater Cape Town and surrounding towns. There are hundreds of scheduled trains every weekday and on weekends. All trips start and end at Cape Town station and Rondebosch is located on the easy to navigate Southern Line.
The Southern Line travels from central Cape town through the Southern Suburbs to Muizenberg and beyond to Simon’s Town. A watch-out – trains can often be delayed or cancelled so make sure you check before planning to hop on board.
4. Uber/Lyft
Always good to have both apps handy and compare fares for rides. These travel options are great for getting around at night – but beware of surcharges and make sure you meet your ride at a safe and busy area. Always practice caution and let someone know when, and where, you are going and when you will arrive.
5. Minibus taxis
As there is no set map, time schedule or guide for this informal network, the whole minibus taxi thing can be difficult to navigate at first. This taxi service makes up for 15% of public transport trips in South Africa and fills the gap between train stations and bus stops. Once you have your bearings in your new suburb, these are a convenient (and cheap) way of getting from A to B in a hurry.
6. Bicycle
Too far to walk but too close to drive? Easy, hop on a bike. The UCT student precinct is rather compact and very bicycle-friendly. When you need to get somewhere in a hurry, cycling is a great option and good for keeping fit and healthy! There are designated cycle lanes on campus, and if you need to make your way into the city, you’ll find a few there too.
So, get up, get out, and start exploring – the world is your oyster and good times await!
