Scores of Johannesburg commuters found themselves stranded this morning after the unexpected suspension of Rea Vaya bus services. The city’s prized bus network, usually relied on for smooth, affordable commutes, halted operations due to a growing dispute with local taxi operators—an issue that has simmered since Rea Vaya expanded its bus fleet.
The conflict erupted last week when City Transport MMC Kenny Kunene launched 45 new Rea Vaya buses on routes extending through Soweto. Taxi operators were quick to express dissatisfaction, claiming that they were blindsided by the city’s move to increase bus services on routes they traditionally control. The tensions escalated until Rea Vaya suspended operations early this morning, leaving many frustrated commuters seeking alternative transport.
To address the mounting frustration, MMC Kenny Kunene has committed to mediating between Rea Vaya and the taxi associations. Kunene’s new bus rollout is intended to ease overcrowding and improve access to public transport, but taxi operators see it as a threat to their business. Passengers were informed via social media, with Rea Vaya issuing an apology and a promise to resolve the conflict:
“We are engaging with relevant stakeholders to understand their concerns and apologize for the inconvenience,” read Rea Vaya’s post on X.
Theo Malele, spokesperson for the National Taxi Alliance (NTA), expressed frustration over the city’s lack of communication about the fleet expansion. “The office of MMC Kunene did not inform the taxi structures. Until proper channels are followed, and issues are corrected, we won’t allow operations to resume,” he stated.
Kunene, currently in discussions with leaders of multiple taxi associations, assures that commuters will be updated soon on any progress. However, with no immediate end in sight, Johannesburg’s transport crisis serves as a reminder of the challenges facing shared public transport in the city.
