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IN THE NEWS
Fast and efficient communication between the BRT and its users is possible through the social networking site.
COMMUTERS can now log on to the social networking site, Facebook, for a daily update of Rea Vaya information such as routes, ticketing and what's new on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Rea Vaya is on social networking site, Facebook
"Rea Vaya does have a Facebook [page] and this decision was taken in the early days as part of ensuring maximum communication avenues with our clients and any other interested party. We are currently handling on average 21 Facebook enquiries per week," says Conel Mackay, Rea Vaya's spokesperson.
"It is indeed essential for Rea Vaya to have a Facebook page as it gives us the opportunity to interact with the public without relying on mainstream media. Journalists are also visiting the Rea Vaya Facebook from time to time."
According to Nomalizo Xabana, the marketing co-ordinator for Rea Vaya, suggestions and concerns posed by users are responded to almost immediately by the relevant representatives.
An example of the rapid distribution of information, she says, is that the Facebook page has allowed Rea Vaya to inform users first-hand about things such as the City of Johannesburg receiving a first place honourable mention in the 2010 Sustainable Transport Award by the Institute for Transport and Development Policy (ITDP) for the implementation of the BRT's first phase.
Topics raised on the official Rea Vaya Facebook page include routes taken by the buses, environmental concerns regarding the impact of cars compared to BRT buses, and progress made by other countries on their versions of the BRT.
"The Rea Vaya Facebook page is useful and is growing steadily. This can be attested to by today's post quality rating which is at four star. The page will continue being used to share information with interested parties as they have a much bigger reach to audiences who are not on Facebook and have by default become indirect ambassadors of Rea Vaya," says Mackay.
"We hope to continue to manage feedback from the users through this medium, among others, and to provide prompt responses to service enquiries.
"Social networking sites are popular because of their speedy flow of communication and because they allow people to comment on certain issues – the reasons why Rea Vaya is using Facebook to communicate with its users.
About 700 users now follow the Rea Vaya Facebook page, says Xabana, uploading their comments and suggestions such as when the testing of electronic fares will take place – forecast for October. These questions are answered daily to give users a sense of being heard and taken into consideration.
USERS' COMMENTS
Gail Jennings posed a few questions on the Facebook page: "Does Rea Vaya have any statistics on what the environmental impact of the service is? How many carbon dioxides are not being emitted as a result of the service? How many private cars has it got off the road? I would be interested to see some facts and figures regarding its real environmental impact."
Malau Matsepe says that Joburg has done a great job with introducing the BRT and if it receives more support it can reduce congestion in and around the city. Commuters will save money that they were using for their petrol and other transport because the price is reasonable and affordable.
"More campaigns like this one need to be set up to ensure the future of the Earth," notes Tshegg Starr.
Philip Axt adds: "I think the Rea Vaya is a great project, showing that Joburg is only going up in the world."
And Luke Diego Benincasa says that Joburg is achieving its true status as a world-class African city, and that Rea Vaya is certainly going to change mindsets.
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