Rea Vaya BRT buses have been unable to operate this morning due to an illegal work stoppage by staff at the Rea Vaya stations. In the meantime passengers are advised to use alternative transport. The City is in the process of trying to re-establish the service.

REA Vaya buses have been unable to operate this morning since approximately 05:30. This is due to an illegal work stoppage by station staff in the employ of the Metro Trading Company and its subcontractors for cleaning and security. The Metro Trading Company is a Municipal-owned entity contracted to the City of Johannesburg to manage the Rea Vaya stations.

Negotiations are currently ongoing between the MTC and the South African Municipal Workers Union, representing station staff regarding employment issues arising from the expiry of station staff employment contracts at the end of October 2010. MTC management has expressed surprise at the illegal work stoppage while consultation and negotiation with SAMWU is still in progress.

The MTC and the Rea Vaya are in the process of trying to re-establish the services as soon as possible and will inform passengers through the media of progress made.

MMC Moosajee further added: "We will not tolerate intimidation of commuters, irrespective of where it emanates from."

Rea Vaya apologises to passengers for the inconvenience caused.