The City of Johannesburg’s growth and development strategy for 2040 has a clear vision.

Based on corridor Transit-oriented Development (TOD), Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has commenced with the implementation of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transport station on Rivonia Road in Sandton.

The construction of the station forms part of the phase 1C trunk route which stretches from Johannesburg CBD all along Louis Botha Avenue, passing the northern part of Alexandra township and looping back through Katherine Street up to Rivonia Road in Sandton City.

MMC for Development Planning Thapelo Amad said TOD sought to serve mixed-income communities centered around high-quality public transportation.

“This is part of the vision that we have for the city through the Growth Development Strategy 2040. TOD is an approach to development that focuses on high-intensity mixed land uses within walking distance of a transit station or within a transit corridor.”

Amad added that a successful TOD was generally characterized by four things – a vibrant mix of land uses including residential, employment, and social services, moderate to higher density, with housing typologies that engage with the public environment, prioritised pedestrian orientation/connectivity, and transportation choices.

He said there was a huge need for The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system.

“It was created to connect low- and high-income areas of the city. Transport is one of the backbones of Johannesburg and linking residents to education, business, and economic opportunities is important. Providing quality public transport services closer to the people will address the key problems around transportation. The introduction of phase 1C was initiated to bring safe, affordable and reliable public transport.”

According to him, JDA had already completed a major portion of the required infrastructure which would service the areas of Berea, Yeoville, Orange Grove, Cheltondale, Norwood, Balfour Park, Bramley, Wynberg, Alexandra, Marlboro, Athol, Sandton, Sandown, Longmeadow, and Greenstone.

The City will also be introducing employment opportunities for those in need. Submissions will take place from 22 April between 9am and 3.30pm from Monday to Friday. Submissions close on 3 May. Posters will be stationed at the following places:

• Region E Head Office
  No 137 Daisy Street and Grayston Drive, Sandown ground floor, Building One
• 8th Avenue MPCC
  Alexandra
• Marlboro Community Hall
  52 Zinnia Drive, Marlboro Gardens, Sandton.