The City of Cape Town will soon be replacing all validators in its MyCiti buses and at MyCiti stations.
What will follow is a simpler tap-to-ride system where commuters can use contactless bank cards. This marks a major step toward modernising Cape Town’s public transport network.
When will the old MyCiti validators be replaced?
The City will begin rolling out new validators from 2 December 2025. The replacements will be done in phases and should be complete by the end of January 2026.
A single validator will replace the separate “IN” and “OUT” machines on MyCiti buses – streamlining the boarding process for commuters.
“Much like a mobile phone that needs to be replaced after a certain period, we now need to replace these validators with the modern version,” said the City’s Mayco Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas.
“Customers can, however, look forward to more convenient and modern payment methods in the future as these validators support contactless bank cards and QR codes.”
Pitfalls of the current (old) system
The shift marks an end of one of the biggest frustrations for commuters: being stranded without credit on their MyCiTi card, which could previously only be topped up at select paypoints – most of which only accept cash.
Many a tourist and visitor to Cape Town have also been unceremoniously booted off a MyCiti bus for not possessing a myconnect card.
Getting with the times – use any contactless bank card
Cities around the world have long upgraded their public transport validator systems in line with improved technologies and innovations.
“Replacing dated equipment will offer commuters more payment options, which will improve flexibility and convenience, and ultimately, access,” Quintas added.
Installation will take place after hours and during off-peak times to minimise disruption.
The first stations to get the upgrade include Stadium, Granger Bay, Refinery, Sandown and Janssens, followed by 10 buses from 4 December.
All remaining validators are due to be operational by 30 January 2026.
As the new system rolls out, commuters may encounter a mix of old and new validators. Those already upgraded can be used to tap both ‘IN’ and ‘OUT.’
What about single-trip cards?
The City also noted that single-trip cards will be phased out, with the last day to purchase them being 12 November 2025.
The last day to use them will be 3 December 2025.
Regular and occasional users can still purchase a myconnect card with a Day Pass or Mover points for discounted fares.
The overhaul signals a long-awaited leap toward cashless, convenient, and globally aligned public transport for Cape Town commuters.
