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Public transport discussed
- Details
- 30 May 2012
Solutions to transport challenges across Gauteng were the focus of a provincial conference, and Rea Vaya was held up as an example to all.
JOBURG'S Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was proving not only to be a safe way to travel, but an effective one too, a provincial conference on the state of public transport in the global city region heard.
Organised by the Gauteng department of roads and transport, the gathering was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton on 28 May. The Gauteng City Region Public Transport conference was convened to discuss the status of transport in Gauteng and to unravel plans for its improvement.
Rea Vaya was a highlight, with a focus on how much it had already contributed to public transport in the province. Delegates also heard how other municipalities – notably Tshwane and Ekurhuleni – were planning their own systems.
Rehana Moosajee, Joburg's portfolio head of transport, pointed out that development of public transport, especially Rea Vaya, had closed some of the gaps left open by the unequal distribution of transport during apartheid.
Of Rea Vaya's principals, she said: "Rea Vaya is not only about transport. It is also about economic growth, poverty alleviation, restructuring apartheid cities, sustainable development and good governance."
Emphasising the key challenges in Johannesburg, she said that two-thirds of households did not have cars. In addition, the aftermath of apartheid was evident in the separation of transport. Public transport was also often congested.
The city has made the most progress with its BRT, but other cities are working to catch up.
Its northern neighbour, Tshwane, plans to begin construction of its BRT stations in 2013. Test runs will begin in 2014. Tshwane's mayoral committee member for transport, George Matjila, introduced the metro's strategist to speak about the routes the buses would take, as well as the benefits of a BRT in the capital.
Ekurhuleni, Joburg's eastern neighbour, is not far behind with plans for its own BRT. Thumbu Mahlangu, its mayoral committee member for transport, said the municipality was planning to link Ekurhuleni's main hospitals. He was pleased with the city's progress: "We started late but we are catching up," he said.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane spoke about leadership in the province and in the government as a whole. "We need to have centralised authority," she stated.
Regarding Rea Vaya, she said she was glad to have picked up where former premiers had left off. "Tokyo [Sexwale] started it; Mbhazima [Shilowa] came in; and then finally I came in and cut the ribbon."
Transport MEC Ismail Vadi touched on the importance of residents working with the government to ensure that public transport in Gauteng changed. He said Rea Vaya had begun something great, and that its growth would do great things not only for Johannesburg, but also for the province at large.
Rea Vaya transports thousands of people around Johannesburg, from Soweto in the west to Ellis Park in the east. More stations and dedicated lanes are being built for Phase 1B, which is expected to be operational next year. It will expand the routes northwards to Parktown.
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