More than an efficient and affordable method of public transport, another positive effect of Rea Vaya, is its help in beating global warming and cutting the City's carbon footprint.

CLIMATE change and unusual weather patterns have been largely attributed to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Intercontinental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), they can cause disasters like flooding, result in the spread of infectious diseases and increase poverty.

Flora Mokgohloa, the executive director for environment in the City

Introduced to combat traffic congestion, Rea Vaya's first buses began running on 30 August 2009. According to the City's portfolio head of transport, Rehana Moosajee, "the BRT is a long-term investment in the future of our city".

It is the only public transport system in Johannesburg that actually reduces gas emissions. Its buses use low-sulphur diesel and are able to transport between 75 and 112 passengers per bus.

The aim of Rea Vaya is to cut down the number of private vehicles on Joburg's roads; it is encouraging more people to use its service by expanding its routes.

"We have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Whether it's on existing projects or new programmes, we have to ensure that we do not increase the City's carbon footprint," says Flora Mokgohloa, the executive director for environment in the City.

Environmental impact research conducted in 2008 estimated that 382 940 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions were expected to be saved through Rea Vaya's implementation. In addition, by replacing poor quality buses running on poor quality fuel with Rea Vaya's brand-new fleet of articulated buses, air quality would be dramatically improved.

These buses are also expected to save 1,6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2020.

Related stories:

• Green BRT discussed at climate talks
• Johannesburg goes green with Rea Vaya project