How to get around

Travel at UCT starts with the Jammie Shuttle, but doesn’t end there. There is a range of public and private transport options – including ones not provided by UCT – to help you get around campus and the city.

Hop on the bus, Gus

The Jammie Shuttle is the easiest way to get from point A to point B on campus. This free shuttle service for students and staff is available on weekdays, weekends, and holidays, and includes a late-night service. You may be asked to show your card (see uct.ac.za/students/services/jammieshuttle for route maps and timetables).

Golden Arrow buses are easily accessible from Jammie Shuttle stops in Claremont and Mowbray (see gabs.co.za).

MyCiTi integrates with the Jammie Shuttle at the Gardens station in Buitenkant Street, from where you can ride into Vredehoek, Oranjezicht and the city centre (see myciti.org.za).

Listen out for the gaartjie

Minibus taxis pick up and drop off passengers along virtually every main route in the city. The Mowbray and Claremont Jammie Shuttle stops are a few steps away from minibus taxi hubs, while there are multiple stops near to some UCT residences. Make sure you have the exact change ready for your trip. (PS gaartjie is Cape Town slang for the guy who calls out the route and collects the fares.)

Share a cab

Metred taxis (using sedan cars and small vans) are a phone call or SMS away. While options abound, including Uber, it’s possible to save some money sharing a ride.

Down the line

Cape Town has a good rail service, which fans out across the city. The southern line stops at Mowbray and Rondebosch stations, which are both within walking distance of UCT’s lower, middle and upper campuses. Find timetables at a Metrorail station and online at metrorail.co.za.

Car pool

First-year students are not allowed to bring cars onto campus but can apply to park at Rhodes Memorial, just a short walk away (visit the traffic administration offices on upper campus to apply for a disc).

An alternative is to carpool. You can access the dedicated carpool P4 parking lot on upper campus if three or more student or staff cards are swiped at the boom (within 10 seconds of the first swipe). One of you must have a parking disc. Go to ridelink.findalift.co.za to find out more.

Scoot along

The good news is that as a first-year, you are allowed to bring a scooter onto campus, as long as you buy a black parking disc (also from traffic administration).

Cyclists might find the terrain a bit uphill, but there are designated cycling routes that make it easier to navigate your way around.

Skateboarding has also taken off in a big way in Cape Town. If you are an enthusiast, you can use your board to scoot between lectures, and downhill on your way home.

Your own two feet

It’s easiest to get around UCT on foot. When walking on campus after dark, it’s best to be part of a group and to stick to the blue foot route (where there are emergency bollards so you can immediately call Campus Protection if you need help). If you’re alone at night and are concerned about your safety, call 021 650 2222 for an escort.

Read more from the
2016 Orientation edition.