City of Johannesburg executive mayor Dada Morero and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, accompanied by representatives of the taxi industry, will launch Phase 1C(a) of the Rea Vaya bus rapid transit (BRT) system, on October 23.

The city’s latest Rea Vaya expansion extends the BRT system from the inner city to Sandton.

Phase 1C(a) introduces 13 newly built low-floor stations, new interchanges and a dedicated Rea Vaya bus and pedestrian bridge over the M1 along Lees street.

It also features an artistic walking and cycling bridge linking Alexandra and Sandton City via Grayston Ridge.

Two more stations – Sandton City station and Gandhi Square station – will be completed in early 2026, bringing the total to 15.

“Three bridges – Houghton pedestrian bridge, the Grayston walking and cycling bridge and the Marlboro bus and pedestrian bridge – are complete. The dedicated cycling and walking pathway from Alexandra to Sandton is already in use and forms part of our commitment to a greener, more connected city,” Kunene explains.

The Watt Interchange, near Pan Africa Mall, enhances connectivity for passengers linking to other public transport modes, he adds.

“We have designed this development holistically to merge bus transport with cycling and walking, helping to reduce carbon emissions,” he points out.

In the interim, the route will operate with 68 low-floor buses, aimed at streamlining transfers for passengers from existing Rea Vaya routes without additional fares.

The Alexandra Bus Company, established to operate Phase 1C(a), will run services on a cost-recovery basis until 141 buses are ready for a 12-year operating contract.

“Reflecting on our journey, the progress we’ve achieved is remarkable. Johannesburg proudly became the first city in Africa to unveil a comprehensive BRT system, Rea Vaya, in August 2009.

“This groundbreaking initiative stemmed from meticulous planning that commenced in 2006, spurred by the urgent need to address increasing congestion, safety issues and an inadequate public transport system,” Morero comments.

“The launch of Rea Vaya has been a game changer for public transport in our city, revolutionising the way Johannesburg moves and bridging communities previously separated by distance and history. Today, Rea Vaya serves thousands of commuters daily, underscoring the truth that investing in public transport is fundamentally an investment in the dignity of our people. We are determined to continue this momentum,” he adds.

He points out that the new Rea Vaya route provides public transport access to residents of Berea, Yeoville, Orange Grove, Norwood, Balfour Park, Bramley, Wynberg, Alexandra, Marlboro, Athol, Sandton, Longmeadow and Greenstone.