City of Joburg commits to refurbishing 5 inactive Rea Vaya stations

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Joburg has committed to refurbish five inactive Rea Vaya stations that have fallen into disrepair after years of looting and vandalism.

The five stations to be repaired include Rivonia in Sandton, Rissik Street in the CBD and Louis Botha in Bramley.

At least 45,000 daily commuters rely on the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System, connecting 58 stations across Johannesburg.

But in recent years using the service has become increasingly difficult for commuters.

When the system was first introduced, 30 stations were built, followed by 18 more in its second phase and five in the last phase.

While the older stations remain functional, the newer ones have been vandalised and rendered inactive.

Despite the glaring neglect of the Rea Vaya system, Transport MMC Kenny Kunene insists there is a green light.

“Now it takes about two years to procure the buses because no manufacturer in South Africa makes buses that comply with our BRT system.”

For now, commuters will have to make do with the available buses and routes while they wait for the full refurbishment.