Public participation in the bus rapid transit system in Johannesburg

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.