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Rea Vaya launch jitters

In preparation for the much-anticipated launch of Rea Vaya, South Africa’s first BRT system, the City will start closing the dedicated lanes constructed for Rea Vaya to public traffic.
“The dedicated lanes were constructed specifically for Rea Vaya to ensure a fast and effective public transport system for our commuters. During August, barriers will be erected across the BRT lanes at all intersections to sensitise the public not to use those lanes. There will also be road signs to indicate the ‘bus only’ lanes. Furthermore, pointsmen will be deployed at key intersections to alleviate any congestion,” says Rehana Moosajee, the City’s MMC for Transportation.

She adds that road users should also be aware that illegally parked vehicles within the BRT corridors will be towed away. Additionally, road users should take note of special traffic signals intended for the BRT buses at intersections. “Traffic lights at the various intersections will display a red or green bus to regulate the BRT buses specifically. Road users should take care and respond to the normal mixed-lane traffic signals,” she explains.

On 15 August, parts of the Joburg CBD were gridlocked during peak-hour traffic as the first day's testing of the dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system lanes took place.
Much of the congestion happened on the main arterials of Commissioner, Market, Bree, on Wielligh and Sauer streets between 4pm and 5pm. Motorists were outraged, and in some cases disregarded the barricades to drive in the middle lane meant only for bus use.

Will it all be worth it? Executive Mayor Amos Masondo says: “This project is very complex and holds a great promise to transform the transport industry. We will use the pressure that comes with the 2010 World Cup to build a world class transport system for all.”

Meanwhile, the taxi industry is launching an urgent court interdict to prevent the BRT system from going ahead. Taxi operators will also embark on a massive nationwide strike on 1 September, just two days after Rea Vaya buses begin operating in Gauteng. The decisions were taken at a meeting by hundreds of taxi bosses in Kibler Park, south of Johannesburg.

Earlier this year, taxi drivers in Cape Town and Johannesburg went on strike over the project. The demonstrations were marred by incidents of violence. Government has tried to assure the operators their businesses will not be negatively impacted.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has decided to get tough on the issue, and has warned taxi operators not to disrupt the launch.
"The taxi industry can't be a law unto themselves," Mokonyane said. "BRT is about the government facilitating an opportunity for all South Africans. We're going to be tough and can't be held to ransom by the taxi industry. If they want to rule this country, they must register as a political party and contest in the elections."