Rea Vaya fares to go up
19 June 2015
Rea Vaya fares will increase by 6% on July 1 – the first price hike since the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was introduced in Johannesburg in 2009.
However, passengers travelling during off-peak periods will pay 10% less than the new fare.
Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Councillor Christine Walters says despite the increase = which ranges from 30 cents to 80 cents – Rea Vaya is still the most affordable, safe and accessible mode of public transport in Johannesburg.
“It remains Rea Vaya’s priority to ensure accessible, safe and affordable public transport to enable our people to access economic opportunities and amenities,” says MMC Walters.
Benny Makgoga, Director of Marketing and Communications in the City’s Transport Department, says passengers travelling from zero to 5km during peak hour pay R5.50 a ticket at present. But from July 1, they will pay R5.80.
However, for passengers travelling during off-peak hour, a bus trip within the same distance will cost them R5.22 from July 1 – 10% lower than the new fare.
Makgoga says the fare hike is a result of an increase in direct bus operating expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance and 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% off plan during off peak times, travelling on Rea Vaya has become even more affordable,” says Makgoga.
Rea Vaya has also introduced user friendly transfers to enable passengers to travel simpler and more conveniently to their destination. Passengers transferring from one Rea Vaya bus to another to connect to their destination will not pay more from 1 July,” Makgoga says.
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,” says Makgoga.
Rea Vaya smart cards will be available from 1 July for R20 at Orlando Stadium, Diepkloof, University of Johannesburg-Kingsway, Johannesburg Park Station, Johannesburg Art Gallery and Carlton Centre.
“The City issued smart cards for free to passengers from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015. The City will still subsidise the actual cost of the card,” he says.
A loading fee of R1.50 is applicable if you top up your smart card with less than R60. You must have a minimum of R13.30 on your smart card to be able to travel.
The City will launch new and exciting flexible fare products with bonus value of between 10% and 25% from October 1.
For more information go to your nearest Rea Vaya station or visit www.reavaya.org.za
REA VAYA FARE INCREASES AT A GLANCE
Journey length of between 0-5km:
From R5.50 to R5.80, a 30 cents increase
Journey length of between 5.1km and 10km
From R7.20 to R7.60, a 40 cents increase
Journey length of between 10.1km and 15km
From R9.00 to R9.50, a 50 cents increase
Journey length of between 15.1km and 25km
From R10.70 to R11.30, a 60 cents increase
Journey length of between 25.1km and 35km
rom R11.50 to R12.20, a 70 cents increase.
Journey length of more than 35km.
From R12.50 to R13.30, an 80 cents increase