Rea Vaya not so rapid

One such resident is Muxe Shivambu who said the increased traffic was a nightmare. He told the North Eastern Tribune that driving on Louis Botha during peak hour traffic was frustrating. “It now takes one an hour to travel and cover a distance that would normally take 15 minutes. I really hope they can finish already,” he said.

Another resident who did not want to be named echoed Shivambus’s sentiment. He said although he was pleased with the long-term benefits that Rea Vaya would bring to surrounding suburbs along Louis Botha Avenue, he remained concerned about the increased traffic. He said, “I am referring to the increased traffic along roads such as 8th Avenue in Orange Grove, especially during peak hour.”

He added that mini bus taxis and other vehicles used 8th Avenue in preference to Louis Botha Avenue, due to the congestion caused by the road works.

He suggested to Ward 73 councillor, Marcelle Ravid that all vehicles that did not have ‘business’ on 8th Street be banned from using the route, but said this was most probably impractical.

“Instead can’t we approach JRA [Johannesburg Road Agency] to install speed bumps in 8th Avenue,” he said. “The speed at which these cars travel is frightening and poses a definite threat to residents pulling out of driveways and to small children attending the crèche in 8th Avenue, and being walked to and from Orange Grove Primary School.”

Metro police spokesperson, Edna Mamonyane urged motorists to be patient when driving along the road. She also advised them to increase their travel time. She said, “At the end of the day, the bus system is there to provide people with reliable public transport.”

Have you driven this way before? How was your experience?

Tell us by posting on our timeline, North Eastern Tribune or tweet us @NE_Tribune

Add North East Tribune on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 29BEEF78