Around 55,000 fans are expected at DHL Cape Town Stadium, with trains and free MyCiTi shuttles urged as the fastest way to beat match-day traffic.
Image: File
Tens of thousands of football fans heading to DHL Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday face peak-hour traffic, road closures and packed routes, with trains and free MyCiTi shuttles expected to be the fastest way to get to the game.
Around 55,000 supporters are expected for the international friendly between South Africa national soccer team and Panama national football team, kicking off at 7.30pm, with the match falling in peak midweek traffic in the city bowl and Green Point precinct.
Public transport is expected to be the fastest option, with Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa increasing train services across all lines into the city and the City of Cape Town rolling out a free MyCiTi shuttle for ticket holders.
A free MyCiTi shuttle for ticket holders will run from the Civic Centre and Thibault Square from 4pm, with return services operating after the match until 11pm. Gates open at 4.30pm, with kick-off at 7.30pm.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku encouraged fans to leave their cars at home and use rail.
“I am encouraged by PRASA’s continued progress in restoring passenger rail services across the province,” Sileku said.
“All lines in the Cape Town metro are now back in operation, including key routes connecting Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. This marks an important milestone in rebuilding our rail network after years of disruption caused by vandalism, cable theft and infrastructure damage.”
For those driving part of the way, park-and-ride options will be available at stations along the Southern and Northern lines, while parking at the Civic Centre will open from 4pm on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional paid parking is available in the CBD.
Fans can walk to the stadium via the Fan Walk from the city centre, while dedicated e-hailing pick-up and drop-off points will be available along Helen Suzman Boulevard.
Motorists should expect road closures and restrictions around the Green Point precinct from mid-morning, with traffic congestion likely to build ahead of kick-off. Driving directly to the stadium is expected to be the slowest option due to limited parking and road closures.
The push to move fans onto rail comes amid a fragile recovery for passenger trains in Cape Town. In recent weeks, PRASA has faced scrutiny, including a High Court ruling that found the agency failed in its duty to ensure passenger safety, as well as an ongoing independent probe into allegations of gang-linked subcontracting tied to the Central Line rebuild.
The Central Line, a key commuter corridor, only recently resumed limited operations after years of disruption caused by vandalism, extortion and infrastructure damage, underscoring the challenge of restoring commuter confidence.
Officials have urged fans to arrive early, allow extra travel time and avoid leaving immediately after the final whistle to reduce crowding at stations and transport hubs.
The match is expected to be a major test of Cape Town’s ability to move large crowds using public transport, as authorities try to rebuild trust in a rail system long affected by safety concerns and disruption.
Cape Argus
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