Public participation in the bus rapid transit system in Johannesburg
Date
2012-11-02
Authors
Dibakwane, Sipho Moses
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Abstract
The formulation and implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit Network
system (BRT) or Rea Vaya in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) was met
with different views from the Johannesburg general public. Some sections
of the public accepted the BRT, while others rejected it. The reason for the
initial rejection was the lack of public consultation, while those with a
positive view conceded that the BRT was a good concept in transforming
the public transport system of Johannesburg. This study investigated how
the public participated in the BRT. The study was conducted through the
qualitative research methodological approach. Primary in-depth interviews
and documentary analysis were undertaken to answer the research
question.
The findings of the study indicate that public participation in the BRT was
orchestrated haphazardly because of the lack of a proper governance
system on public participation. The CoJ’s only concern appeared to be
meeting the deadline to provide efficient transport services during the
Confederations and World Cup Soccer tournaments of 2009 and 2010
respectively. The study concludes that the processes of engaging the
public to participate in BRT formulation and implementation were flawed.
The study finally recommends that the CoJ should develop governance
systems on public participation.The systems should include a tailor-made
public participation policy and institutional mechanisms to support critical
engagement with the public.
Description
Keywords
Bus Rapid Transit system, Rea Vaya, Public transport, Public participation