The Bus Rapid Transit system will benefit from nearly R500-million allocated to the department of transport in the City's budget.

ONGOING upgrades and the operational roll-out of the Rea Vaya network will continue apace with the R471-million budget allocation to the City's department of transport.

Rea Vaya will benefit from the City's 2010-2011 budget

Executive Mayor Amos Masondo announced the 2010/2011 budget of over R28-billion at a press briefing at the council chambers in Braamfontein on 19 May. With just a few weeks left before the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, he was confident the City was ready to host the tournament, the first time it is being held in Africa.

"We are on track. We are confident that everything will go well and that we will be able to deliver the best World Cup ever."

Rea Vaya buses will play a critical role in the transportation of football fans. Spectators will be able to take Rea Vaya buses to and from Ellis Park, Soccer City and Orlando stadiums, all important venues for the World Cup.

The routes are also suitable for sightseeing as they travel past important and historical attractions, such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the Joburg Theatre Complex, Regina Mundi Church and South Africa's Constitutional Court.

The Rea Vaya network not only brought an efficient, affordable and fast bus service to the city of Johannesburg, but had also substantially improved its road networks, said the member of the mayoral committee for transport, Rehana Moosajee at the briefing.

All existing roads on which Rea Vaya buses will travel have to be upgraded to a much higher standard than normal roads to accommodate the additional weight of the massive articulated vehicles.