FAQs
What is IRPTN?
Integrated Rapid Transport Network refers to the integration of various modes of transport which seek to provide a safer, reliable, accessible, affordable, transport system that gives priority to the public over private transport. The plan is to provide integration of public transport with the emphasis of being on the delivery Rapid Transit (RT) system. This includes an extensive effort to integrate the system with an array of other services, including train services, feeder vehicles, taxis, pedestrian passageways, bicycles, and private cars.
Rustenburg Rapid Transit/transport is the municipality’s department responsible for planning, managing and implementing services for high quality public transport system that runs on an exclusive dedicated lane with coordinated and prioritised signalling. The people of Rustenburg, the municipality, and the RRT department have named the bus service Yarona.
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, even current owners of private vehicles and in doing so, ease congestion, reduce the impact on the environment and support the development of a sustainable city; To achieve this objective by placing 85% of the municipality’s population within 500m of IRPTN road, or feeder corridor; To improve and integrate the municipality ‘s urban transport system, attract more investment, tourism, ultimately stimulate the economy and job creation.
The aim of the project is to transform the existing public transport conditions and image by providing high quality, cost effective, car competitive, public transport system that will serve the mobility needs of the city’s population.
An integrated public transport network (IPTN) for Yarona has been developed. The network aims to place 80% of Rustenburg residents within 1km of Yarona services. The network of routes will be implemented over time as funds infrastructure and buses become availability to the municipality. The RRT currently is implementing Phase 1 & 2 of the IPTN. Phase 1 has further been staggered into Phase 1A, 1B AND 1C.
System features
We are anticipating to launch Phase 1A to go live within the second quarter of 2022.
Yes. The Yarona system is about affordability, reliability, safety, accessibility and time saving.
No hawking or selling of food and other soft goods will be allowed within the station premises or inside the buses to ensure compliance with hygiene, cleanliness, safety standards, and Covid -19 regulations. Which is a world -wide best practice.
The buses will operate will be operational on a 16 hour interval in the beginning however this may change over time depending on demand and supply factors
The buses will operate will be operational on a 16 hour interval in the beginning however this may change over time depending on demand and supply factors
There are 147 bus stops in phase 1A
• The entire system is designed to bring the routes to within a 500m of 85% of the residents and work places along the routes. On average, people will walk 500m to the nearest station. For commuters that live far from the trunk routes, feeder routers, with an average station spacing of 500m will take passengers to trunk routes.
Yes. Approximately 1000 short term jobs have already been created during constructions with more opportunities on the pipeline during the operational phases.
General Labourers, Drivers, & Operators, Artisans & Technical Skilled persons, supervisors, Managers, Cleaners, Security, Cashiers, retailers, mechanics etc.
Are the buses and stops adequately equipped to accommodate people living with disabilities?
The Yarona System is designed to accommodate people with special needs. Buses are designed to ensure easy boarding and descending for people with special abilities. Stations are designed to accommodate access requirements for people with special needs. Way finding in and around stations is also designed in a way that facilitates universal access.
• Refunds can be made at Kiosks and retailers where top ups were done and proof of purchase will be required for all refunds
• Registered users can view their statements on the Yarona App and website. A USSD code will be created as well for users to request statements
No. The National Department of Transport through the Public Transport Grant makes provision for part of the funding of BRT projects. The municipality are required to identify other sources of funding for the balance (i.e internal revenue, loans from commercial banks, advertising etc.)
The potential passenger demand for the system was determined by conducting travel demand survey and using a demand model to analysis travel needs and projected future demands. This is a crucial step in the process, as demand estimates form the basis for designing the system including route alignment, planning operations and predicting viability of the system.?
Current RRT operational temporary depot is at waste management depot. We have a temporary depot at Rustenburg Show Grounds.
Rustenburg Rapid Transport has finalised a compensation model that will integrate operators into the BOC. The compensation model is designed in a way that it does not leave any operator worse off as stipulated in the National Land and Transport Act.
• There are dedicated and clearly marked bus stops along the routes where passengers will be able to access the buses.
• During peak periods, the buses will be leaving every 15 minutes and during off peak it will be every 30 minutes.
• Commuters will be able to check the routes and times for the buses on the Yarona Rustenburg App, Website and at the stations as well.
• A dedicated Customer Care Centre will be set up where passengers can call in and make enquiries and complaints. An email address will also be set up for dealing with all queries and complaints. Alternatively, passengers can lodge complaints at the bus station directly.
When recruiting, the national guideline and imperatives will be considered to accommodate people living with disabilities.
• Passengers will be able to get their Yarona cards from Ticket Regulatorsand Yarona Kiosks. They can also load them from there as well
• Top-ups can be done at Yarona kiosks, retailers and informal vendors.
Each trip costs R10.
• You can transfer to taxi and bus services at the CBD taxi rank stop on the conner of Oliver Tambo and Beneden Street.
• If you have lost your card, you will need to get a replacement card at the Yarona Kiosk, retailers and informal vendors at a cost. If your lost card was registered then whatever money you had on it will be transferred to the new card