After years of anticipation, Yarona Rustenburg, the flagship project of Rustenburg Local Municipality, has launched Phase 1A of its Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) system. The Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) commenced operations on August 1, 2022, with the introduction of Route F4, marking a significant milestone in the development of a safe, dependable, accessible, and economical public transportation system for Rustenburg residents.

Since 2012, the Rustenburg Local Municipality has been implementing various components of the Yarona Rustenburg project, including bus lanes, walkways, a new bus fleet, and negotiations with affected transport operators in Rustenburg. The RLM is still making significant progress in its mission to provide a top-notch public transportation system, with construction of stations yet to be completed. Buses will run parallel to construction and be commissioned as they become ready.

The RRT plans to expand its service routes, covering the entire Phase 1A areas, including Tlhabane, Tlhabane West, Geelhoutpark, and Rustenburg Noord, by the end of 2022. The Municipality plans to roll out further Phases of the service as more bus fleet and infrastructure components become ready.

Commuters can now purchase their tickets from the mobile kiosks located at Tlhabane Foro Mall (open from 07:30 to 12:30) and at Education Station (open from 13:00 to 16:00). To enjoy the opening discounts of 5 free rides when topping up and each trip costing R10, commuters are encouraged to register their cards for just R50.

“As we move into the next stage of our journey, getting the buses on the road for everyone to use, we would like to take this chance to express our gratitude to all Rustenburg residents for their unwavering support and tolerance during our planning period. We are working hard to give the people of Rustenburg access to a dependable and secure public transportation system,” said Cllr Mabale-Huma.

For more information, commuters can contact the call centre at 0145903721 or follow Yarona Rustenburg on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additionally, commuters can send an email to customercare1@yaronabus.org.za or customercare2@yaronabus.org.za.