The City of Cape Town will run a Special Needs shuttle on match days to transport spectators with mobility impairments to and from the Cape Town Stadium.

Although the normal shuttle transport to the stadium is wheelchair accessible, spectators will have to walk a distance of 500 m or navigate a ramp to enter the stadium at the second floor level. “This may be challenging to people with mobility impairments,” says Ester Moag, Head: Marketing and Passenger Services in the City’s Transport Department.

Wheelchair ticket holders may apply for one of the 90 dedicated parking bays inside the stadium at Level 1. Applications for these bays can only be made at the FIFA ticketing office and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Those allocated a bay will also receive a Vehicle Access Pass and will be required to access the stadium via the remote search park at Gallows Hill. The vehicle height restriction at the stadium for access to level 1 is 2,1 metres. Please direct enquiries to +27 (0)83 123 2010 or enquiries@2010fwctc.co.za

The Special Needs shuttle is only available to spectators with a wheelchair ticket, as issued by FIFA, and those with a doctor’s certificate confirming their inability to walk a distance of 500 m. “Everyone who wishes to make use of this shuttle must register as soon as possible, but by no later than one week before the date of the match they are attending. Only those who have registered and received confirmation will be transported,” says Moag.

In South Africa spectators may call the toll free number 0800 600 895 between 09:00 and 12:00 daily to book their places. Spectators currently outside of South Africa may book their places by sending an e-mail to transport.info@capetown.gov.za. Prospective passengers must e-mail or fax a copy of their wheelchair match ticket or doctor’s certificate to +27 (0)21 448 7873 and will receive confirmation of their bookings via e-mail or fax. Please retain this confirmation as it is required to gain entrance to the Special Needs Access Hub.

The Dial-a-Ride public transport service will operate as normal during the World Cup. On match days some vehicles will be used to transport spectators to the stadium. “It is anticipated that this will not have a significant impact on the normal operations as all those commuting between home and office will be accommodated,” says Moag. All the Dial-a-Ride vehicles will be used after the match to transport spectators from the stadium. This will fall outside the normal Dial-a-Ride operating hours except for the match on Monday 21 June 2010. “Special provision has been made to transport registered Dial-a-Ride passengers from the Special Needs Access Hub to their residences after the match,” says Moag.