BRT Takes Babysteps in South Africa

Known as Rea Vaya, the 25 kilometer bus rapid transit system connects downtown Johannesburg to nearby Soweto township. There have been more than 12,000 riders per day, according to officials. Though the system is operational, some of its features are still under development.

"Rea Vaya is off to a modest start. The system is not operating at full capacity and many of the traditional BRT features are not yet fully implemented (i.e. smart cards, turnstiles, ITS, feeder buses). While it is easy to be critical of the starter service’s shortcomings, I prefer to acknowledge what has been accomplished so far.

I celebrate the launch of the starter service, however limited, because I know how hard the Rea Vaya team has worked to implement this BRT and applaud their collective achievement. I am inspired by the City’s steadfast commitment to delivering a first-class public transit system in the face of vocal, and sometimes violent, anti-BRT opposition."