The city of Johannesburg and public transport operators working in the Johannesburg area signed a landmark negotiation framework agreement on Tuesday that will set the stage for discussions on the City’s R2.2 billion investment into the planned expansion of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT).

The agreement was signed by Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba, and the representatives from different public transport operators for the transformation of public transport between the Johannesburg CBD, Sandton, Alexandra, Midrand and Ivory Park.

Mayor Mashaba said the expansion will take place through the planned introduction of the third phase of the City’s BRT system.

“One of the biggest obstacles to employment is the inability of people to access efficient transport. The introduction of the third phase of the BRT will make it easier for many of our residents, particularly those from previously forgotten communities, to connect to needed economic opportunities,” he explained.

Better bus and taxi relations

The mayor congratulated negotiators for getting this far and added that he believed this would solidify the City’s relationships with the bus and mini bus taxi sector.

Mashaba said the City will continue to plan and rollout integrated public transport that includes Rea Vaya, Metrobus and provincial subsidised service providers and mini bus taxis.

The City is also increasing its investment in improving road infrastructure with a particular focus on improving traffic light functioning and increasing the deployment of JMPD officers to reduce congestion at traffic hotspots.

“The signing of the agreement is a major milestone in implementing an integrated public transport system plan which will contribute not only to improved quality public transport for all residents but will also contribute to the economic empowerment of the mini bus taxi industry,” said MMC for Transport Nonhlanhla Makhuba.

The City of Johannesburg is also working on upgrading, maintaining and building new taxi ranks and public transport interchanges including the new Johannesburg International Transport interchange.