JOHANNESBURG - The BRT's first phase, stretching from Nana Sita Street (formerly Skinner Street) in the Tshwane CBD to Hatfield would be operational in April 2012, the city said in a statement.

The entire system was expected to be completed and operational by October 2015, with 51 stations and 154 buses covering 80km of road, from Shoshanguve to Mamelodi.

"Once completed, residents will benefit from a rapid, high quality, affordable, and convenient public transport system that will improve urban mobility and integration," the city said.

The new system was expected to reduce traffic accidents and congestion, and to lower carbon emissions.