Abstract
In recent decades, South Africa has prioritized long-term focus towards innovative public transport infrastructure and non-motorized transport. These efforts can be traced back to 2009, after planning began for the preparations of the confederation cup and world cup hosted in the country in 2010. Metropolitan cities like Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg led the way in creating innovative public transportation systems and non-motorized transportation infrastructure that are safe, integrated, clean, accessible, and beautifully constructed. However, in major centres, integration of public transportation and infrastructure for non-motorized transportation, such as designated lanes for walking, cycling, and motorcyclists, has been ignored over the years. These setbacks exacerbated geographical disintegration on the way to achieving a well-integrated, cost-effective, and dependable contemporary public transportation system in Johannesburg.
As a result, there is a research gap in studies that inform the connection of the BRT system with non-motorized transit in Johannesburg. As a result, this study investigated the degree of spatial integration between the Rea Vaya BRT system and the NMT in the Turffontein area. The study adopted phenomenological case study research design and applied mixed methods approaches. Also, purposive and convenience sampling procedure are applied to select participants in this study. The data was collected through structured interviews with key informants in Turffontein and municipal officials responsible for transport planning and secondary data was also used. Findings from Turffontein area reveals that integration of Rea Vaya BRT with NMT system stimulates strong local real estate markets, reduce costs of public transport, address the issue of job-housing mismatch and enhance new strips of development along the mobility spines. There is an increase in commercial, industrial and residential development near the stations of BRT system in Turffontein area coupled with high land values, which attracts more people to reside near BRT trunk routes. The study advocated for a change away from reliance on private transportation and toward the usage of NMT systems in order to achieve the greater focus of spatial design required to absorb cities that foster environmentally friendly transportation systems with zero carbon emissions.
Keywords: Bus Rapid Transit, Non-motorized Transport, Turffontein, Modal integration, public transport.