BRT Takes Babysteps in South Africa

This post from The City Fix discusses the new bus rapid transit system that just opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, and why the system was sorely needed.

1 minute read

October 23, 2009, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


Known as Rea Vaya, the 25 kilometer bus rapid transit system connects downtown Johannesburg to nearby Soweto township. There have been more than 12,000 riders per day, according to officials. Though the system is operational, some of its features are still under development.

"Rea Vaya is off to a modest start. The system is not operating at full capacity and many of the traditional BRT features are not yet fully implemented (i.e. smart cards, turnstiles, ITS, feeder buses). While it is easy to be critical of the starter service's shortcomings, I prefer to acknowledge what has been accomplished so far.

I celebrate the launch of the starter service, however limited, because I know how hard the Rea Vaya team has worked to implement this BRT and applaud their collective achievement. I am inspired by the City's steadfast commitment to delivering a first-class public transit system in the face of vocal, and sometimes violent, anti-BRT opposition."

Thursday, October 22, 2009 in The City Fix

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

4 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Green and silver Max BRT bus at station in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding

In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

5 hours ago - Colorado Public Radio

Low view of separated bike lanes in middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. Capitol dome visible at end of street at night.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy

The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

6 hours ago - Grist