Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a broad term that is used to describe a variety of transport systems that contribute towards the improvement of infrastructure. It attempts to maintain seamless mobility by offering a service of a higher quality than the normal bus line and by operating on a reliable schedule that allows for efficient transportation. The Department of Transport seeks to transform transportation through BRT by making it the preferred mode of public transport which satisfies the short term and long term sustainability.

The use of BRT has already been successfully implemented in parts of South Africa. MyCiti in Cape Town offers passengers a reliable and timeous bus service that runs on a cashless system which has proved to be convenient. Passengers load their MyConnect cards (bus card) with funds in order to use the service and “tap” in and out to pay for the bus fare. When the MyConnect cards funds are depleted, they may reload it should they wish to embark on further trips. Similarly, the Rea Vaya BRT system in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) utilizes this method of transportation.

CoJ investigated BRT systems in countries such as Australia and Indonesia to guide its function before operating its first route in 2009. The critical aspect of the Rea Vaya is its integration of other public transport stakeholders. Such integration included maintaining communication with former taxi drivers and incorporating them by offering positions as bus conductors and bus maintenance managers. According to the Department of Transport the BRT system is essential to the success of the transport system in South Africa as it provides affordable and reliable transport service to diverse groups within the metropolitan regions.

Its function bears striking similarities to the railway system as it operates on a fixed schedule; it has a centralized control centre, it is customer oriented and easily accessible. Further benefits associated with the BRT is that construction costs are lower compared to other transport systems and it helps reduce carbon emission. In addition, exclusive bus lanes allow for reduced travel time and the cashless system supported by Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) makes the BRT a safer convenient service.