The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has forfeited a R313-million public transport grant due to ongoing operational failures within the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system.
The funding was originally earmarked to support and expand the Rea Vaya network to service low-income households who rely on affordable and reliable transport options.
Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association (AA), has labelled the forfeiture a significant setback for the city’s transport infrastructure.
“[It] highlights the deepening structural and governance challenges in managing Johannesburg’s public transport systems,” he said.
“As Johannesburg continues to grow in both population and economic activity, the forfeiture of such a substantial investment undermines progress toward an integrated, sustainable transport system.”
He highlights that the CoJ’s public transport network is fraught with incomplete corridors, underutilised buses, and limited connectivity, with few viable alternatives being available to its users.
The Gautrain, while efficient, serves only limited routes, and rising minibus taxis fares are becoming a challenge for commuters.
“The implications of this funding go beyond mismanagement: they highlight a chronic inability to plan, execute, and maintain public transport systems with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” said Ramagwede.
Without action and a turnaround strategy, Johannesburg risks further isolating low-income communities and increasing reliance on private vehicles.
This could worsen traffic congestion, road safety risks, and environmental strain.
“In a country already grappling with high fuel costs, costly vehicle maintenance, and inadequate infrastructure, this situation deepens inequality and hinders progress toward a more inclusive, sustainable transport system,” said Ramagwede.
The AA urges the CoJ and national stakeholders to urgently prioritise the rehabilitation of the Rea Vaya system, and recommit to delivering equitable, safe, and efficient mobility solutions.
“We cannot afford to waste time or resources. Johannesburg residents need a transport system that works — and leadership that makes it happen,” said Ramagwede.
One step forward, two steps back
The forfeiture of the R313-million grant comes after the CoJ started rolling out Wi-Fi access across all Rea Vaya bus stations as part of its ongoing plan to become a so-called “Smart City.”
The initiative provides free high-speed internet connectivity to thousands of daily commuters allowing them to stay entertained during their journeys or get more work done whilst travelling.
Internet data remains a premium commodity in South Africa, resulting in many CoJ residents being unable to stay connected and access vital online services.
Launching the free Wi-Fi network thus aligns with Joburg’s broader digital and economic development strategies, which aim to position the City as a leader in urban connectivity.
“It is an overall smart system aimed at improving the quality of experience for our valuable and hardworking commuters,” said Neani Mulaudzi, General Manager of Network Operations at the Metropolitan Trading Company (MTC).
“By integrating free Wi-Fi into public transport infrastructure, MTC is not only improving accessibility but also encouraging economic participation and social inclusion.”
The Wi-Fi nodes will be introduced in phases across the Rea Vaya network, though it remains unclear whether loss of funding will impact the rollout.
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