R4bn bus system rollout under spotlight amid national criticism of failed transport systems

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29-05-2026
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Pretoria Rekord
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Construction on the A Re Yeng expansion in Pretoria east is continuing. The metro says no projects have been halted or cancelled.

The Tshwane metro has defended the ongoing rollout of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure in Pretoria east and along Lynnwood Road, confirming that major construction projects remain under way and will continue over the next three financial years.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said two major BRT-linked projects are currently under construction.

    “Line 2C is approximately 96% complete, while Line 2B is approximately 75% complete. The Denneboom Intermodal Facility is also under construction,” Mashigo said.

Mashigo confirmed that no projects already under construction have been halted or cancelled.

“The projects currently under construction are continuing as planned and will be funded over the next three financial years,” Mashigo added.

According to Mashigo, about R4-billion has already been spent on BRT-related infrastructure in Pretoria.

This includes R3.428-billion spent on roadway civil works, signage, utilities and station bottom structures across 39km; R340-million on 13 trunk stations; R19-million on 183 feeder stops and shelters; and R284-million on a bus depot.

Mashigo said the metro has over the years invested in dedicated public transport infrastructure, depots, feeder systems and operational planning as part of its long-term transport strategy.

He also addressed concerns over the state of Lynnwood Road and surrounding areas affected by construction.

    “Where contractors have already commenced work, they will complete the outstanding construction and rehabilitation works,” Mashigo said.

He added that traffic management plans had been developed and approved to manage congestion and traffic flow during construction.

“The city, as the transport authority, will continue implementing projects as outlined in the Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan,” he said.

The continued rollout in Pretoria comes amid mounting national criticism of BRT systems, with the DA claiming more than R80-billion has been spent on Integrated Public Transport Network projects across South Africa with limited success.

In a statement, the DA said commuter uptake on BRT systems remains significantly lower than the country’s minibus taxi industry.

“After more than 20 years and over R80-billion spent, the ANC government has admitted the Integrated Public Transport Network, including BRT projects, has failed dismally,” the party claimed.

The DA added that while BRT systems carry around 152 000 commuters daily nationwide, about eight million South Africans continue to rely on minibus taxis.

    “Cities are now facing 30% budget cuts and scrambling for solutions. This is classic ANC governance: billions thrown away on projects that don’t work, while residents still struggle with unreliable and unsafe public transport,” the party said.