Happy commuters are sending their first birthday congratulations to Rea Vaya. The system has brought change for the better to many.

A symbolic key is handed to representatives of Clidet, the temporary company running the bus system (Pic: Enoch Lehung)

Bob Stanway, the former BRT project manager, has praised Rea Vaya for a successful first year. He says Joburg can be proud of it.

"When the history of the Rea Vaya project is written, including the massive personal and professional contributions that the [member of the mayoral committee for transport] and Rea Vaya team have made, it could justifiably say - with apologies to Winston Churchill - that 'never in the field of transportation in South Africa was so much owed by so many to so few.'"

Joburg's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was designed to suit the travel needs of every Joburger, including the disabled. There are designated seats in the buses for elderly people and pregnant women.

Zukile Ngobo, from the disability sector, compliments Rea Vaya for providing adequate services for disabled commuters. "I would like to wish Rea Vaya a very good life of service."

It is contemporary and accessible, she says, adding that it is an "excellent initiative" that exemplifies modern transport. She applauds Rea Vaya for being living evidence of an all-inclusive public transport system.

And she wishes that the same model could be piloted in all municipalities. "This service [proves] to be accessible to a diverse disability sector."

Birthday messages have been posted on Rea Vaya's website. Toko, a commuter from Fourways, writes: "Happy birthday Rea Vaya. Wish you many more years of excellent service. Hope your buses roll out all over Joburg."

Potlaki Hlahane writes: "Happy birthday to your buses and routes and terminals. From the bottom of my heart I thank you."

For disabled Andrew Louw, having completed its first year of operation, Rea Vaya has not only conquered challenges, it has "brought changes in many lives".

"I would like to say congratulations and thank you Rea Vaya for the change you brought in our lives. We can rely on you for safety, accessibility, affordability and a timeous transport mode. We would like to wish you all the best for the future and as you grow in our region we will support and appreciate your service. You made us proud during the World Cup and we have confidence in you."

The City's flagship public transport system has world-class infrastructure and is good to look at, with attractive artwork sandblasted on to the glass panels at the stations. It was planned and established to improve public transport in Joburg.

Ward 79 councillor Petrus Zitha lauds it for being safe, affordable and fast. "It is indeed true that the road to success is full of ups and downs. Mohamed Ali made a statement which is very relevant to what the Rea Vaya project had to endure when he said: 'A champion is not made by the blows he inflicts on his opponent but the blows he is able to take and not fall.'"

Zitha says that despite the difficulties Rea Vaya went through during implementation, it has grown from strength to strength. "We do hope that soon we will see a sharp decrease in the use of private cars as the service is extended to other areas of the city of Johannesburg."

BUS SERVICE

Rea Vaya buses use dedicated lanes on fixed roads, helping to improve the quality and efficiency of Joburg's public transport. They provide a convenient and safe way to travel. The buses emit less carbon dioxide, and are part of the City's plan to provide a dignified public transport system.

The Democratic Alliance spokesperson on transport, councillor Nico De Jager, was part of the implementation. "From time to time we had to question and request a revisit of plans presented, but even then [as the opposition] we never did that without offering an alternative. As members of the 2006-2011 Transport Oversight Committee we will leave a legacy I am proud being a part of," De Jager says.

"Wherever the ride takes us let us never allow Rea Vaya to lose momentum. Let us continue as part of a team that restored dignity to public transport. Happy Birthday Rea Vaya," he notes.

Rea Vaya buses are state-of-the-art. They are connected to a nerve centre via digital transmission and the stations are linked by fibre optic cable. This all enables exchange of electronic data and communication between station personnel, drivers and management. Stations are also monitored by 24-hour closed circuit cameras, which are linked to every bus via a tracker.

Related stories:

• Happy Birthday, Rea Vaya
• Rea Vaya is a year old
• Commuters praise year-old Rea Vaya
• Celebrate the first year of BRT
• Rea Vaya reaches milestone