New train ticket system will allow tourists to sample False Bay's charm

Published Dec 22, 2006

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The City of Cape Town and Metrorail have launched a new ticketing system to allow tourists to view the False Bay coastline on the Southern Line train route.

The route, which stretches from Cape Town station to Simon's Town station, was launched by the City of Cape Town in partnership with Metrorail on Friday.

It aims to encourage tourists to use public transport and to promote interactive tourism.

Additional security has been deployed on trains and on the stations of Cape Town, Observatory, Newlands, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Simon's Town.

A special train ticket will give commuters access to the stations at a cost of R12 for first class and R7.50 for third class.

The manager for destination development of the city's tourism department, Theunus Vivian, said the idea was to develop a corridor accessible to local communities and visitors.

"There won't be a special train, but there will be special tickets for people to use. This is aimed not only at international, but also at local tourists as it is affordable," he said.

The head of Cape Town Tourism, Mariette du Toit, said the initiative would provide an opportunity for local communities to interact with tourists.

"Tourists want to interact with communities.

"They don't want to see us from a distance while in coaches," she said.

Metrorail regional manager Steven Ngobeni said the Simon's Town route was the first choice as it was the most secure route in the city and offered a wide spectrum of tourist activities.

Ngobeni said the launch also promoted public transport.

"This line is the most securitised (sic) line. We are hoping that, as tourists all over the world come to the city, they will use this route.

"We want people to come here by choice... as a first choice, not as a last resort.

"We want our visitors to feel safe. We've made more arrests on this line than on any other route. We've reduced crime dramatically," he said

The head of the Cape Town Partnership, Andrew Boraine, described the tourism initiative as "a good start".

"It's a small start, but a good start. The first target market should be Capetonians rather than foreigners. When something works for them, they will spread the word. It can only attract tourists if local people experience first-hand that trains are safe," he said.

Joye Gibbs of the Cape Flats Development Association said although it was "exciting" to have such an initiative, she was concerned by the lack of markets on that route.

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