Gauteng to extend Bus Rapid Transit system

“Together with the municipalities, we have developed a set of interventions aimed at transforming public transport into an integrated, reliable, accessible, safe and affordable system,” said Vadi.

“Over the next three to five years, the full development of an integrated bus rapid transit system across the three metropolitan municipalities in our province will become visible,” he said.

MEC Vadi said they will also use the campaign to examine public transport initiatives on the African continent and promote non-motorised transport initiatives in Gauteng.

This approach is in line with the 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25).

Maximising public transport use

The MEC said the progress made in respect of Rea Vaya and A re Yengin Johannesburg and Tshwane respectively is already changing the people’s perceptions of public transport.

“Work on a similar system in Ekurhuleni has already begun and we are examining the possibility of extending the system to the West Rand.

“The inclusion of the taxi industry in these processes and the Hlokomelacampaign of the taxi associations will contribute to the integration of the public transport system across the Gauteng city-region and improve the levels of safety on our roads,” MEC Vadi said.

The MEC said the Gautrain was proof the province could deliver on large-scale public transport infrastructure projects.

The Gautrain has an average daily ridership of 55 000 passengers and 21 000 passengers on its buses. It recently won the Global Air Rail Alliance Award for customer service excellence on its airport line.

A feasibility study on the further expansion of the Gautrain network is currently underway.

On the other hand, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has prioritised the revitalisation of Metrorail in Gauteng.

The acquisition of new rolling stock; the renovation of train stations and the development of a new signalling system will transform day-to-day travel.