Together we are taking Rustenburg Forward: The Story of Yarona Bus
So, what exactly is Yarona Rustenburg? Well, it’s the Rustenburg integrated public transport system – a flagship national initiative being implemented by the Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM). With a mandate from the National Department of Transport, Yarona Rustenburg aims to provide a better public transport system for the people of Rustenburg.
Why is Yarona being introduced in Rustenburg?
But why is Yarona being introduced in Rustenburg? The goals and objectives of the project are to transform existing public transport conditions by providing a high quality, cost-effective, car-competitive public transport system that will serve the mobility needs of all segments of the municipality’s population. This includes even the current owners of private vehicles! By doing so, we hope to ease congestion, reduce the impact on the environment, and support the development of a sustainable city.
Passengers’ journeys will be much quicker because Yarona Rustenburg enjoys dedicated bus-only lanes. And an added advantage of the service is the universal accessibility, which allows for level boarding between stations and buses, making it easily accessible to individuals with limited mobility.
Yarona Rustenburg is a catalyst for urban transport reform in Rustenburg and is poised to improve operational efficiency for the business community, education, and the general traveler.
Why is Yarona being introduced in Rustenburg?
So how will operations be managed? Yarona services will be managed through the Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) Integrated Operations Centre at the dedicated Control Centre. The RRT management will provide oversight to the Bus Operating Companies (BOC) who will be contracted to the municipality to run the fleet. The BOC(s) will be formed by existing taxi and bus operators affected by the implementation of the Yarona. The system will have an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) component to assist in the monitoring and enforcement of the system.
Which areas will be covered?
Yarona Rustenburg will place up to 80% of Rustenburg residents within 1km of routes which will be implemented over time as funds, infrastructure, and buses become available to the municipality. Currently, Phase 1 & 2 of the service are being implemented. Phase 1A will cater to northwestern areas of the CBD, while Phase 1B will cater to Meriting, Freedom Park, Sunrise Park, Ramochana & Boitekong Extensions 4 & 7. Phase 1C will cater for Protea Park, Cashan, and part of Rustenburg CBD. Phase 2 will cover areas of Kanana and Greater Boitekong.
