In the report, women and girls reported their experiences of rape and sexual abuse while boarding public transport, or while walking to, or waiting for public transport. File picture: Kim Ludbrook/African News Agency (ANA) Archives In the report, women and girls reported their experiences of rape and sexual abuse while boarding public transport, or while walking to, or waiting for public transport. File picture: Kim Ludbrook/African News Agency (ANA) Archives
For thousands of Cape Town's female commuters, the start of the day is overshadowed by fear as they board taxis, buses, and trains carrying the heavy burden of anxiety.
Public transport, while a vital link to work, school, and livelihood, has become a hotbed of gender-based violence, with daily journeys often exposing women to robbery, assault, harassment, and intimidation.
According to a study done by the University of Cape Town, over 56% of female commuters expressed their worry about the walk from and to the stations. This stark reality underscores the pervasive danger women face in public spaces.
A transport safety study conducted in 2026 revealed that the perception of safety is low among female commuters in Cape Town, with around 40% to 50% reporting feeling unsafe when using public transport.
