ActionSA Joburg mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba has criticised the state of Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, following an oversight inspection between the Johannesburg CBD and Sandton.
Mashaba, accompanied by ActionSA councillors serving on the Transport Committee led by party whip Lebo Mokoka, conducted the inspection to assess the frequency and punctuality of buses, commuter uptake and the affordability of the transport system.
According to Mashaba, the inspection revealed major operational failures within the Rea Vaya system, including empty buses on several routes, malfunctioning card purchasing and loading systems, and inadequate accessibility for disabled commuters.
“The journey from Library East Garden Station in the Johannesburg CBD to Sandton was delayed by more than an hour after commuters struggled to purchase and load travel cards,” Mashaba said.
He claimed commuters were eventually redirected to Rissik Street Station to complete the process, describing the experience as evidence of widespread inefficiencies within the public transport system.
“The multitude of inefficiencies disadvantage and frustrate residents,” he said.
“These failures are forcing many residents to rely on more expensive taxi transport, increasing financial pressure on commuters already struggling with the cost of living,” Mashaba argued.
He has blamed the ANC-led coalition government in the City of Johannesburg, accusing MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene of failing to deliver effective public transport services.
“The City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Development Agency have failed to deliver an efficient and accessible transport system despite approximately R16.8 billion being invested in Rea Vaya infrastructure through national government grants. This is an example of wasteful expenditure and poor management of taxpayer funds,” he said.
Mashaba stressed that reliable public transport is essential for economic mobility, enabling residents to access employment and opportunities across the city.
“Without a Joburg that is working, the country will buckle under such pressures,” Mashaba cautioned.
The party said it aims to restore dignity and improve service delivery across all communities if elected to lead the city following the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
