FAST, RELIABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT BECOMING A REALITY

Gautrain will be accessible through a dedicated bus feeder network that will transport passengers to and from stations within a 15km radius. These will be linked to Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (IRPTNs) planned for metropolitan areas.

A prominent feature of these networks will be integrated Rapid Rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) priority corridors. These will provide city-wide, rapid public transport corridors together with feeder systems of smaller buses, taxis, bicycles, pedestrian access as well as metered taxis and park and ride facilities. As set out in the Department of Transport’s Integrated Transport Plan BRT systems offer fast, comfortable and low cost urban transport.

Gauteng Transport MEC, Ignatius Jacobs, recently launched the BRT system for 2010 FIFA World Cup host cities which include Johannesburg and Tshwane. The BRT corridors will service both the central business districts as well as townships.

With integrated, fast, reliable and safe public transport becoming a reality, spatial development spin-offs will have sustainable long-term economic benefits for the Province. New investment and business opportunities are already in full swing.

Suburbs and cities are undergoing major upgrades, restructuring and rejuvenation.

Integrated public transport in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s R2-billion Rea Vaya rapid bus transport system will be ready for 2010. Rea Vaya means we are going. The new system will consist of 325 kilometres of special public transport lanes and intersections, running north and south of the city, and west and east. It will link townships and suburbs with the Johannesburg inner city.

Commuters will be able to seamlessly switch from one form of transport to another using a single ticket.

Nearly 150 stations will feature ticketing machines, pedestrian overpasses for commuters to reach the stations and real-time travel information displays. Larger stations will offer park-and-ride facilities, drop-off zones, bike parking, information kiosks, metered-taxi ranks, and bathroom facilities.

Three stations will provide integration with Gautrain, namely Park, Rosebank, and Sandton. To provide commuters with peace of mind, all stations will be monitored by closed-circuit television.