The launch of Rea Vaya’s phase 1C(a) was meant to mark a new era in Johannesburg’s public transport landscape, but behind the ribbon-cutting and political fanfare, the project faces challenges that have left taxi operators disgruntled, especially those that are yet to hand over their taxis and receive compensation.

The city launched phase 1C(a), one of its most ambitious transport undertakings to date, on October 23 at Marlboro Community Centre, and for many, including thousands of people who walk between Alexandra and Sandton daily, the launch was a long-overdue promise finally kept. While the move signaled the city’s leap towards inclusive and modern public transport, some taxi operators feel left behind.

Read more: City takes inclusive mobility leap forward with Rea Vaya phase 1C(a) launch

At the core of the issue is the incomplete handover of minibus taxis that previously operated along the new bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor. Although 75% of taxi owners have surrendered their vehicles and have been compensated, the remaining 25% are still waiting for valid operating permits – a prerequisite for receiving compensation, according to the MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene. “Taxi owners gave away their taxis, but for you to be paid, your taxi has to have a valid permit.

“When I came in, the biggest issue was that a lot of taxis were still on the road without valid permits. They have applied for those permits, but the province is still processing them.”

Kunene said he met with the Gauteng MEC for Transport last year, to expedite the process, and that they now have a crisis committee which meets weekly. “Those that have not been paid are complaining and they are disgruntled, so we need to see how do fast-track it better, so that all the taxi on this road are handed over.”

Also read: Progress on Sandton Rea Vaya BRT rollout

Molefe Moekeletsi, chairperson of the Alexandra-Randburg-Midrand-Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta), who, alongside Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) chairperson Vusi Mayaba, was instrumental in getting the taxi associations to handover their vehicles, said there is a growing animosity between those who have been compensated and those still waiting. “Some got money, some did not. This paints a bleak picture to those that did not get it. I know systems of government have their own pace, but can this programme be processed speedily, so that we can save people’s lives. We want to see development in our communities, particularly in Alexandra. Do not let this be another failed project.” Moekeletsi said that both Armsta and ATA will ensure that all affected operators are compensated and integrated into the broader transport programme.
Although the project envisions 141 new low-entry buses, Kunene confirmed that only 68 reconfigured former Gautrain buses will operate in the interim, while waiting for the full fleet, which is expected to arrive in about 18 months.

Despite the setbacks, the project has been lauded for connecting Alexandra, Sandton, and the inner city via a high-speed, dedicated BRT lane. It also has a key interchange at Pan Africa Mall which integrates Rea Vaya with other public transport modes, while the Watt Interchange enables seamless transfers between BRT, taxis, and Metrobus services.

Mayor Dada Morero hailed the project as a symbol of Johannesburg’s commitment to transport reform. “This is an indication that we are serious about our transport system in Johannesburg and in South Africa.”

MMC for Development Planning Eunice Mgcina called the corridor a: “Bridge, connecting people to opportunities, businesses to customers, and communities to one another,” but until the remaining taxi operators are given permits and compensated, the programme will remain marred by growing animosity and disgruntlement among taxi operators.

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