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Johannesburg BRT in The New York Times

22 Feb 2010

Posted In: Johannesburg BRT System, Developing High-Quality, Low-Cost Mass Transit, South Africa

On February 22, 2010, The New York Times ran an article exploring the ways that Johannesburg, South Africa’s new bus rapid transit system has brought economic opportunity to some of the city’s poorest and most disadvantaged residents. In doing so, the new transit system has challenged entrenched interests in a country with a long history of racial divide. ITDP is proud to have been a lead advisor to the city of Johannesburg from the very beginning of this project. Read the full article here.

In our view, it is the first world-class bus rapid transit system of its kind in Africa. While bus rapid transit is renowned for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the New York Times article highlights the important social part of ITDP’s mission – providing safe and affordable transport options to the poor while bringing them to jobs and economic empowerment. Please take a moment to read the article, view the slideshow, and watch the video here.