Rea Vaya’s long-awaited phase 1C(a) will officially begin operations on November 1, introducing a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor between Alexandra, Sandton, and Johannesburg’s inner city.

Read more: Permit backlogs and taxi compensation delays mar Rea Vaya launch

For thousands of commuters, including the over 10 000 people who commute between Alexandra and Sandton every day, Rea Vaya’s phase 1C(a), which was launched at Marlboro Community Centre on October 23, promises safer, faster, and more affordable transport. Furthermore, it marks a transformative shift in how the city connects its economic and residential hubs.

The new corridor introduces 141 low-entry buses and a key interchange at Pan Africa Mall, integrating Rea Vaya with other public transport. However, due to procurement timelines, the MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene, said the city will initially operate 68 reconfigured Gautrain buses along Louis Botha Avenue, connecting the CBD, Orange Grove, Bramley, Alexandra, Wynberg, Marlboro, and Sandton, while awaiting the arrival of the full fleet, which is expected in about 18 months.

Mayor Dada Morero called the project a reflection of Johannesburg’s commitment to transport reform, noting that Rea Vaya is not only one of the safest, but also one of the most reliable transport systems in the city. “This is an indication that we are serious about our transport system in Johannesburg, and in South Africa.”

Also read: Progress on Sandton Rea Vaya BRT rollout

According to MMC for Development Planning Eunice Mgcina, the corridor will not only serve as a transport route connecting them to the inner city; it will be a bridge, connecting people to opportunities, businesses to customers, and communities to one another. “The launch of phase 1C of the Rea Vaya bus rapid transit [system] is not just an opening of a new route; it is the opening of new possibilities for thousands of residents and workers, as well as for thousands of our visitors who walk between Alexandra, Sandton and Johannesburg CBD every day.”

Thus far, the Johannesburg Development Agency has completed 13 of 15 new BRT stations, with Sandton City and Gandhi Square stations scheduled for completion in 2026.

Kunene pointed to the collaboration with taxi associations as a major milestone in the project. He said the leaders of two taxi associations in Alexandra played an instrumental role in getting the taxi associations operating on the route to hand over their taxis. He confirmed that 75% of taxi owners operating on the route have handed over their vehicles. Kunene said the remaining 25% are awaiting valid permits to complete the process and receive compensation “We have created a crisis committee that meets on Fridays to fast-track the issue.” Once resolved, Rea Vaya will be the sole operator on the route.

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