Free rides to mark BRT opening
Nthambeleni Gabara
13 August 2009
Johannesburg is to celebrate the launch of its Rea Vaya bus rapid transit (BRT) system by offering commuters a free ride. The first Rea Vaya route, from Regina Mundi church in Soweto to Ellis Park in the city, is due to start running on 30 August.
"I am happy to announce that on the 30 August 2009 we will be celebrating the first day of the BRT operation," Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo said this week.
"The residents and citizens of Johannesburg are invited to share this historic moment by taking a ride on Rea Vaya, free of charge."
Experiencing BRT
People are invited to a fun day at Thokoza Park, Soweto on 30 August "to find out more about Rea Vaya, to experience one of the brand-new Rea Vaya buses, and simply to enjoy a day of great entertainment with some of the county's top musicians," Masondo said.
"We appeal to the public to co-operate with us," the mayor said. "Let's get used to the reduction in road space and start using public transport."
Starter service
Modelled on Columbia's public transport system, Johannesburg's Rea Vaya will include 143 new buses operating between 5am and 11pm daily, every three minutes in peak times and every 10 minutes in off-peak times.
When it starts operating at the end of the month, it will be with a starter service that will gradually be built up to a full Phase 1A service – running from Regina Mundi church in Soweto to Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg – over the next six months.
Commuters will pay R3 for a trip in the inner city, and R8 for a full trip, with any number of transfers for two hours. Tickets will be available at the stations and other vendors, with drivers not handling any money, thereby ensuring a much speedier service.
Phase 1B of the BRT system, which is due before the 2010 Fifa World Cup, will include a second Soweto route, running past the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand and on to Sandton. Phase 1C will encompass a route from Alexandra to Cresta.
Recruiting new staff
Masondo added that Joburg was making good progress in recruiting new staff for the BRT business unit. "On 1 September, the city will have in place a new BRT project manager as well as other senior staff members," he said.
"I wish to express our sincere gratitude and pay tribute to the taxi industry and President Jacob Zuma, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the initiation of a more inclusive process.
"This project is very complex, and holds a great promise to transform the transport industry. What we need more than ever before is a partnership that is committed to improve the quality of life of all our people."
Source: BuaNews
