AA warms of ‘significant implications’ of underfunding Rea Vaya bus service

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) is lamenting a potential public transport crisis brewing in Johannesburg.

The entity accused Rea Vaya of mismanagement, which has dented public confidence and impeded low-income commuters.  

Despite having millions earmarked for bus services in the coming financial year, the AA believes more needs to be done to provide customers with an attractive public alternative.

‘Not just a financial loss’

The AA stated that the Johannesburg municipality had lost more than R300 million from a public transport grant due to operational failures.  

“Originally earmarked to support and expand the Rea Vaya network, the lost funding carries significant implications, not only for the city’s mobility agenda but for road users, particularly for low-income commuters who rely on affordable and reliable transport options,” stated the AA on Monday.

“This is not just a financial loss, it’s a missed opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of Johannesburg residents who depend on public transport to access work, education, and essential services,” stated AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede.

The AA added that the cost of private vehicle ownership was prohibitive and that public transport was a vital avenue for the personal movement of the poor.

“The implications of this funding go beyond mismanagement: they highlight a chronic inability to plan, execute, and maintain public transport systems with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” the AA added.

Budget for Rea Vaya and Metrobus

In the Johannesburg municipality’s 2025/26 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the city states that 10.2 million trips are made monthly via minibus or taxi.

The city states that this accounts for 91% of all public transport trips in Johannesburg, leaving Rea Vaya and Metrobus trailing.

The IDP states that Metrobus serviced 3.3 million passengers via 229 routes in the last financial year, while the Department of Transport aims to have Rea Vaya facilitating 13 million passenger trips annually by the end of the year.

Rea Vaya’s proposed budget for the coming year includes R12.5 million for land acquisition, R25 million for station rehabilitation and R150 million for an automated fare collection system.

For Metrobus, at least R90 million has been proposed for the entity for the next financial year, including R32 million for new Metrobuses.

New route to success

The AA’s sentiments suggest that the funding would be in vain if Rea Vaya did not develop a clear vision of its future.

“Without decisive action and a turnaround strategy, Johannesburg risks further isolating low-income communities and increasing reliance on private vehicles, which could worsen traffic congestion, road safety risks, and environmental strain,” the AA stated.

The entity called for engagement with civil society and collaboration with national stakeholders to help realise Rea Vaya’s potential.

“We cannot afford to waste time or resources. Johannesburg residents need a transport system that works — and leadership that makes it happen,”

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