Johannesburg BRT Update

Posted: 17 Dec 2008

Related to: Johannesburg BRT System, Developing High-Quality, Low-Cost Mass Transit, South Africa
Contributed by: Aimee Gauthier

The first full bus rapid transit system in Africa is expected to open its first phase in 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa.  The Rea Vaya system, which means “We are moving!” in Sotho, hopes to transform public transport in South Africa and be a model for the continent.  Phase 1a, currently under construction, will link downtown Johannesburg to its most famous suburb, Soweto.  Over 69,000 passengers are expected to ride the system daily when it opens, using smart cards to access the system. It will have 25 kilometers of segregated bus corridors with 27 stations.

Phase 1B, totaling 63 kilometers, will be open in time for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup tournament being held in South Africa.  The full Phase 1 will expand the system to 122 kilometers of segregated bus corridors and 162 stations. Expected to open by 2013, 434,000 passengers per day are anticipated to use the system.