Get using public transport
JOBURG – We take a look at this week's question in Councillor's Corner, submitted to Ward 134 councilllor, Wendy Alexander.
This week’s question was:
If I wanted to start using public transport, but I live in a suburb like Albertskroon or Northcliff where public transport stations or taxi ranks are not within walking distance, how do I go about doing that?
Wendy Alexander, Ward 134 councillor, answered:
The City’s public transport network is made up of taxis, Metrobus, Rea Vaya and the Gautrain.
Rea Vaya is the City’s rapid transport system which provides a fast, safe and affordable public transport option. For suburbs like Northcliff, there is a Rea Vaya station conveniently located at the Cresta Shopping Centre. Rea Vaya is committed to saving their passages money by creating a loyalty point system, ensuring passengers save money in two ways.
Firstly, when loading the Rea Vaya smartcard at any Rea Vaya station, the passenger can accumulate loyalty points and they don’t pay loading fees. Secondly, passengers are incentivised to load larger amounts with additional loyalty points. The Rea Vaya loyalty points can be exchanged for free trips. For additional information on Rea Vaya, please visit their website www.reavaya.org.za
Metrobus offers specialised transport service for people with disabilities. Busses on designated routes are equipped with a hydraulic chair lift. Special stickers are displayed at the front of the bus to notify commuters. For additional information on Metrobus, please visit their website www.mbus.co.za
There are some terrific apps designed to support commuters within the city. First, the VayaMoja app which is available on both the Apple and Playstore, is the city’s official transport app. The app is designed to assist commuters to find routes and transit points for both Rea Vaya and Metrobus. The app has a comprehensive schedule and route fare functionality.
Secondly, the Gautrain app is also available on both the Apple and Playstore. This app includes both train and bus timetables, valuable information like the nearest bus stop or train station form part of the functionality. The app also supports a fare calculator.
The city continues to invest in public transport networks, by adding additional routes, extending operating hours and investing in the fleet. The goal is to link the whole of Johannesburg and provide our residents with an affordable, safe and reliable public transport system.
Do you have a question for a ward councillor?
Councillor’s Corner is a weekly platform for you, our readers, to voice your concerns or questions for ward councillors to respond to.
Different, willing, ward councillors will respond to a question each week.
Email your burning question to daniellap@caxton.co.za and let’s get the ball rolling.
