Rea Veya still affordable despite fare increase

Rea Veya fares will increase by six percent on July 1.

Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Clr Christine Walters, said despite the increase Rea Veya is still an affordable mode of public transport in Johannesburg.

The increase will range from 30 cents to 80 cents.

Passengers travelling during off-peak times will pay 10 percent less than the new fare.

Director of marketing and communications in the city’s transport department, Mr Benny Makgopa, said the fare hike is a result of an increase in direct bus operating expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, tyre replacement costs, drivers’ wages, salaries of other staff and other overheads.

“A price increase is normal for any business operation. But with our 10 percent off-plan during off peak times, travelling on Rea Vaya has become even more affordable,” said Mr Makgopa.

Rea Veya has also introduced user-friendly transfers to enable passengers to travel more conveniently to their destinations.

Passengers transferring from one Rea Veya bus to another to connect to their destination will not pay more from July 1.

Passengers can now transfer from one bus to another to connect to their destination within 15 minutes at Indingilizi, Joburg Theatre, Carlton Centre, University of Johannesburg-Sophiatown, Library Gardens and Chancellor House.

“Make sure you spend less than 15 minutes at the transfer station to connect. If you spend more than 15 minutes in the transfer station, the system will recognise it as your destination and you will be charged for it,” said Mr Makgopa.

Rea Veya smart cards will be available from July 1 for R20. The cards will be available at Orlando Stadium, Diepkloof, University of Johannesburg-Kingsway, Johannesburg Park Station, Johannesburg Art Gallery and Carlton Centre. For more information, visit your nearest Rea Vaya station or visit www.reavaya.org.za

Rea Veya fare increases:

•  Journey between 0-5km – from R5.50 to R5.80 (30 cent increase).
•  Journey between 5.1km and 10km – from R7.20 to R7.60 (40 cent increase).
•  Journey between 10.1km and 15km – from R9.00 to R9.50 (50 cent increase).
•  Journey between 15.1km and 25km – from R10.70 to R11.30 (60 cent increase).
•  Journey between 25.1km and 35km – from R11.50 to R12.20 (70 cent increase).
•  Journey of more than 35km – from R12.50 to R13.30 (80 cent increase).