As the first BRT system to be implemented in Africa, Rea Vaya is a trailblazer in many ways. For one, Rea Vaya boasts a state-of-the-art control room, where security and traffic will be monitored 18 hours a day.

“Staff, including members of the JMPD, will monitor security on the BRT buses and at the stations via CCTV cameras linked to the control centre. If a security-related incident is picked up, a unit will be dispatched to the relevant station or bus to deal with the problem,” says Eric Mathebula, Johannesburg Road Agency (Intelligent Transport Systems BRT)

Furthermore, traffic lights, traffic incidents and road conditions will be monitored. A traffic priority system, for instance, will give BRT buses the right of way at intersections if they are running more than three minutes late.

Advanced equipment will also allow automatic fault reporting related to the buses and stations. “Should a breakdown occur, for example, technicians will be dispatched immediately to move the bus from the lane and to rectify the problem,” he adds.

The control centre also boasts other innovations such as automatic vehicle locators (GPS) to track buses; a driver management system to manage drivers’ handling of the buses; as well as bus scheduling systems, which will allow the control centre to schedule buses and operators to schedule their drivers.

Technology will be employed to provide passengers with up-to-the-minute information at the stations and on the buses. Variable message signs will display updates such as the next bus stop or the next bus arriving. This will be backed by voice announcements to accommodate commuters who cannot read or are visually impaired.

Mathebula explains that the control centre will help to provide commuters in and around the City with a world-class public transport system. “With the control centre in place, we are able to offer commuters a safe, reliable and convenient form of transport,” he says.