in isolation
but in constant
communication
but in constant
communication
The taxi rank and Metrorail stations of Cape Town are a space of convergence where the general public simultaneously interact yet isolate themselves. The need for daily commutes means that the rank and station becomes a second home for the passengers – a space ripe with the opportunity for friendship and familial ties. All the passengers share a unique but ubiquitous experience among themselves and can relate with one another about the frustration and the value the public transport provides.
In their 2014 manifesto, the ruling political party in the Western Cape the Democratic Alliance (DA) emphasised greater expenditure to be allocated for roads, ports and railways, yet in the upcoming elections they have re-emphasised the need for a railway system that works. This begs the question as to who broke the system to begin with and why the DA has failed to rectify it in the last five years. What will make the next few years any different?
There’s a contrast between the taxi passengers and the railway commuters’ comfort, conversation and community that this photo essay attempts to capture. Does the public transport space adequately provide the space for communication between those who use it? This photo essay explores and captures the moments of interaction and isolation, contrasting the context of railway and taxi rank – how these communities uses their body language and facial expressions in the ever-changing setting of ranks and stations and questions whether the DA’s attempt to fix the railway will change the atmosphere in the Metrorail.
A provincial rail service that works
Democratic Alliance poster on lamppost by Claremont Taxi Rank
Democratic Alliance poster on lamppost by Claremont Taxi Rank
The end of the day
Commuters wait for the Metrorail at Claremont Station
Commuters wait for the Metrorail at Claremont Station
A leap of faith
Commuters leap onto a moving train
Commuters leap onto a moving train
There’s a journey on this train ride
A Metrorail commuter contemplates and stares out the window on their journey home
A Metrorail commuter contemplates and stares out the window on their journey home
Says so much with no one around
Graffiti within the Metrorail carriage
Graffiti within the Metrorail carriage
The platform
The Metrorail station platform where informal vendors establish shops
The Metrorail station platform where informal vendors establish shops
From Cape to Cairo
The taxi rank organised into destinations
The taxi rank organised into destinations
Waiting for the next ride
A taxi driver waits for their next journey from the rank
A taxi driver waits for their next journey from the rank
Waiting alone
A passenger waits the taxi to be filled for departure
A passenger waits the taxi to be filled for departure
A space to catch up
Friends take a break between rides in their taxi
Friends take a break between rides in their taxi
My turn
Friends take a break by playing cards at the rank
Friends take a break by playing cards at the rank
Let’s walk and talk
Friends head off to their destination by foot after the taxi ride
Friends head off to their destination by foot after the taxi ride
Spotted
A taxi commuter smiles as they look out the window
A taxi commuter smiles as they look out the window
This is the work I enjoy doing
A taxi driver smiles as they leave the taxi rank
A taxi driver smiles as they leave the taxi rank
The start of a new journey
The Wynberg taxi leaves the Cape Town rank
The Wynberg taxi leaves the Cape Town rank
