Joburg pensioners reminded of 20 free Rea Vaya trips

With petrol prices reaching record highs, senior citizens and people living with disabilities are reminded of free bus rides offered by Rea Vaya in the City of Johannesburg.

Pensioners aged 60 and over and people living with disabilities qualify for 20 free trips per month. Free travel is available during off-peak times between 08:30 and 15:00 on weekdays, as well as all day on weekends and public holidays.

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Former Congress of the People (Cope) member Jay Maharaj, who is contesting as a ward councillor candidate for the Movement of Residents Party, says many senior residents continue to struggle with transport because they are unaware of the benefit.

Maharaj explained that he originally proposed the motion in the City of Johannesburg Council in April 2018.

“When I proposed it in council, I looked at how I could change the lives of people,” says Maharaj. “I tried to help with transport without them having to pay. This enables them to save money for shopping, hospital visits, and wherever else they need to go.”
To access the benefit, eligible individuals must visit a Rea Vaya Customer Care Centre to purchase a smart card.

“They get 20 free trips every month, but they must pay to get a smart card,” Maharaj says. “It is a once-off payment. Every month they go to Gandhi Square to load the 20 free trips.”

Applicants must bring the following documentation when applying:

A copy of a South African ID

A South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) card for pensioners

Proof of disability or a medical note from a doctor for persons living with disabilities

Following approval of the motion, Maharaj received recognition from transport advocacy groups.

“I was also recognised by TAXA, the Transport Users Group of South Africa,” he says. “They gave me a medal and a plaque.”
Contesting under the Movement of Residents Party, Maharaj says his focus remains on community welfare and service delivery.