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The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Joburg's Rea Vaya BRT in peril with R313m public transport grant at risk
The City of Johannesburg has come under fire following the loss of a R313m public transport grant due to chronic operational failures in the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The Automobile Association (AA) has labelled the forfeiture 'a blow to road users, low-income commuters, and public confidence', highlighting growing concern over the city's ability to manage its faltering transport infrastructure. Related: All of the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025 The lost grant — originally earmarked to support and expand the Rea Vaya network — was forfeited after Johannesburg failed to meet operational and performance criteria. The AA warns this is more than a bureaucratic hiccup and is a missed opportunity that directly affects thousands of residents who rely on public transport to access work, education and basic services. Looking for a new set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag. '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,' says AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede. The Rea Vaya system has long been troubled by incomplete corridors, limited routes and underutilised buses, leaving many commuters stranded or forced to rely on more expensive alternatives like minibus taxis, which have seen fare hikes. With the Gautrain only serving select areas, affordable mobility options are dwindling fast, especially for lower-income groups. For Johannesburg's increasingly congested roads and growing population, this setback is particularly damaging. The AA notes that the grant's loss is 'a chronic inability to plan, execute and maintain public transport systems with integrity, transparency, and accountability'. Related: 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Pricing Unearthed The consequences stretch beyond infrastructure. Without a reliable, inclusive public transport system, residents are nudged further towards private car use, putting added pressure on already strained roadways, increasing safety risks, and further harming the environment. This comes at a time in the country's history where it is grappling with precarious fuel costs, steep vehicle maintenance expenses and underdeveloped road infrastructure. The AA is calling on the City of Johannesburg to urgently prioritise rehabilitation of the Rea Vaya system and engage with civil society and national government to reset the course of public transport planning. 'We cannot afford to waste time or resources,' says Ramagwede. 'Johannesburg residents need a transport system that works — and leadership that makes it happen.' Browse thousands of new and used cars here with CARmag. The post Joburg's Rea Vaya BRT in Peril With R313 Million Public Transport Grant at Risk appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
AA reports 45. 6% drop in road deaths during Easter weekend 2025
The AA has commended law enforcement departments for the decline in road deaths during the past Easter weekend Image: Western Cape Government The Automobile Association (AA) has expressed optimism following the encouraging statistics from the Easter 2025 period, which showed a remarkable decrease in vehicle collisions and fatalities on South African roads. The positive outcomes of this period are attributed to enhanced planning, robust law enforcement, and effective partnerships aimed at saving lives. According to official statistics, road crashes plummeted by 32.5% while fatalities saw a stunning decline of 45.6% compared to Easter 2024. This is the lowest number of fatalities recorded during the Easter period in the last three years, representing a significant milestone for road safety advocates across the nation. 'We commend all those who played a role in this outcome—from government departments at all levels, to civil society organisations, public transport operators, law enforcement officers, private sector stakeholders, and community leaders,' said AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede. 'Through coordinated efforts, we are finally beginning to see measurable improvements in road safety.' The success of the campaign launched in anticipation of the Easter peak travel period establishes a promising precedent for the remainder of 2025. The AA attributed these achievements to a combination of high-visibility law enforcement and impactful public education initiatives such as the #GotHomeSafe campaign, which significantly influenced road user behaviour. During this Easter travel period, law enforcement reported that 2,018 vehicles were discontinued and 1,536 vehicles were impounded. These figures highlight ongoing concerns about the roadworthiness of vehicles in South Africa. In response, the AA has reiterated its longstanding call for annual roadworthy testing for all vehicles, which currently only requires assessment at the point of sale or upon ownership change. 'Removing unroadworthy vehicles from our roads is as important as promoting responsible driving,' Ramagwede emphasised. 'A vehicle in poor mechanical condition is a threat to everyone. Annual roadworthiness testing will be a critical step toward reducing crashes and fatalities caused by mechanical failure.' Although the overall decline in crashes and fatalities is a cause for celebration, the AA raised alarm over the rise in fatalities in Mpumalanga and the concerning statistic that nearly 50% of all road fatalities now involve pedestrians. These figures highlight the urgent need for intensified awareness campaigns targeting vulnerable road users and improving infrastructure and law enforcement in high-risk areas. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕
