Every day, the users of Dial a Ride relies on the availability of transportation to work to pay for the roofs over our heads and the food on our tables. Being disabled, every now and then we must attend hospital for necessary check ups to receive our necessary medication from the hospitals. Without it, our health will decline rapidly. But as of September 8, 2025, the City of Cape Town plans to take away Dial-a-Ride, the only mode of transport available to those like us who are disabled. This decision leaves many of us, the most vulnerable in society, stranded, making it impossible to meet basic needs.

Dial-a-Ride is essential for accessing critical services and opportunities. It provides access to work, where we earn our livelihoods and ensure that we can keep a roof over our heads. It grants our children the ability to attend school, laying the foundation for their futures. It ensures we can reach hospitals for necessary health services, like the life-sustaining medication and check ups we need. It allows us to participate in societies by providing us access to recreational facilities, where community ties are strengthened.

The impact of losing Dial-a-Ride is catastrophic. Without this service, many in the Western Cape will lose their jobs due to a lack of transportation, exacerbating financial hardship and increasing unemployment rates. It jeopardizes the education of children who will struggle to attend school, impacting future generations. Additionally, it risks our health by making it difficult to access medical care.

Dial-a-Ride is not just a convenience; it's a necessity that directly influences living standards and quality of life.

This decision will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable among us — the disabled, elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. It's a decision that neglects the duty to protect and provide for all citizens, regardless of physical capabilities.

We urge the City of Cape Town to reconsider the decision to cancel Dial-a-Ride. Instead of removing a vital service, let's explore options to enhance and expand its reach, ensuring accessibility for all who need it. This can include increased funding, better route planning, and community involvement in decision-making processes.

Please sign this petition to let our voices be heard and ensure that the critical Dial-a-Ride service remains available for those who depend on it. Our livelihoods, health, and future well-being are on the line.