The single biggest initiative in Joburg against climate change is Rea Vaya – and the bus service will be with the City at COP 17 to show the strides it is taking.

Climate Change Conference 2011

JOBURG is the economic hub of Africa, drawing to it people in search of job opportunities.

With the rise in people comes the need to transport them vast distances to their work.

During the apartheid years, the minibus taxi industry emerged to get people from far-flung townships to work in the city and suburbs. The industry, which began on an ad hoc basis, grew and grew.

Private bus companies were also created, but were not as popular as minibus taxis, and the use of private cars increased.

With all this came frustrating traffic jams, particularly during rush hours, and lengthy hours spent on Joburg's roads – as well as the increase in air pollution levels. On average, commuters could spend more than an hour on the roads, according to a survey done in 2003.

CONGESTION

But all this changed when Rea Vaya, the City of Joburg's Bus Rapid Transit system, was introduced in late 2009. Suddenly people were able to sail through the rush hour traffic. A trip from Soweto to town, which used to take a dreaded one-and-a-half hours, was now possible in just 30 minutes.

This is because Rea Vaya uses designated lanes, stopping only at its bus stations.

And because of its speed in getting to its destination, even private car owners in Soweto have opted to park them at home in favour of the bus. With more people on the bus, traffic congestion has also been cut.

One such a person is Ntombi Zwane, who uses Rea Vaya to get to Maponya Mall, where she works and shops. She says the decision has not only saved her time, but it has also saved her money.

Zwane explains that she prefers the bus system because, although there is sometimes a queue, she does not feel the distance from Dobsonville to the mall.
Travel comfort and commuter convenience have not been the only benefits of Rea Vaya. The system has also eased the burden on the planet, and helped combat climate change.

GREENHOUSE GAS

The buses were specifically chosen for their lower greenhouse gas emissions, which have less of an impact on climate. "Joburg aspires to be recognised in international forums that discuss common goals for a world facing the negative effects of climate change," says Flora Mokgohloa, Joburg's executive director of environment.

Rea Vaya has been lauded internationally as a great climate change initiative

Rea Vaya, Africa's first streamlined Bus Rapid Transit, has been lauded internationally for being the single largest climate change initiative ever undertaken by Johannesburg, in dealing with congestion on roads, air pollution and greenhouse gases.

According to Joburg's portfolio head of transportation, Rehana Moosajee, Rea Vaya offers not only a convenient alternative form of public transport, it is also environmentally friendly, safe and affordable.

It operates a fleet of low-sulphur diesel buses that emit less greenhouse gases. Before it was set up, the bus system was researched and tested to determine its potential effects on the environment.

It is estimated that the system will save 1,6 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions by 2020 if 15 percent of private vehicle users who live near the city centre switch to it.

COP 17

This year, the bus service will be part of the City of Joburg team that will be exhibiting at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) in Durban. The 17th annual meeting of the United Nations group runs from 28 November to 9 December.

This climate conference is a United Nations event that aims to find ways to fight climate change. Discussions will seek to advance the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, as well as the Bali Action Plan, agreed at COP 13 in 2007, and the Cancun Agreements reached at COP 16 in December 2010.

In terms of the effects of climate change on South Africa, recent studies predict that it will result in the increased incidence of drought and floods, with prolonged dry spells being followed by intense storms.

Over the next century, this warming trend and changes in precipitation patterns are expected to continue and be accompanied by a rise in sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Related stories:

• Rea Vaya charts a green path
• Rea Vaya goes green
• Cutting gas emissions
• Green BRT discussed at climate talks
• Johannesburg goes green with Rea Vaya project