The Metropolitan Trading Company (MTC), a municipal entity charged with the governance of the City’s broadband and ICT infrastructure has launched an ambitious initiative to provide free Wi-Fi access across all Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations.
The largescale project, aimed at promoting digital inclusivity, marks a significant step in the City’s ongoing plan to turn Johannesburg into a smarter, more connected urban hub.
The phased rollout will offer high-speed internet connectivity to thousands of daily commuters, enabling them to maximise their time while waiting for buses.
The introduction of Wi-Fi at BRT stations offers multiple benefits, including increased productivity, improved entertainment, access to real-time information, educational support, social connectivity and enhanced civic engagement.
“Commuters can access emails, work remotely, or attend virtual meetings, effectively extending their workday. Passengers can also stream music, watch videos, or browse social media while waiting to board a bus,” says Neani Mulaudzi, MTC’s General Manager of Network Operations.
Mulaudzi adds that students can leverage the free Wi-Fi for online learning, research, and accessing academic resources; travellers can also remain in touch with family and friends.
The service will facilitate greater interaction with the City of Joburg’s digital platforms, including e-Joburg, allowing residents to submit meter readings and pay municipal bills seamlessly.
Mulaudzi says the project is a testament to the MTC’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents of Johannesburg. “By offering free Wi-Fi at BRT stations, we are not only enhancing the commuting experience but also driving digital transformation across the City,” he says.
The City of Johannesburg is moving towards becoming a digitised Smart City, a direction the world is steadily heading. “This Wi-Fi activation marks the beginning of our targeted efforts toward this goal. As we work towards Joburg’s vision of being ‘a world class African city,’ it is essential that residents align with and benefit from the leadership of the Government of Local Unity (GLU) in its commitment to better the lives of our communities,” says Cllr Kenny Kunene, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport.
The MMC notes that Internet data remains a high-priced commodity in this country, making it unaffordable for most of our community members. “This intervention aims to assist residents with Internet access for communication, research, and other crucial services. Wi-Fi for all passengers will enable them to continue and complete their work before reaching home, giving them more quality time with their families and loved ones,” Cllr Kunene explains.
This initiative aligns with Joburg’s broader digital and economic development strategies, positioning the City as a leader in urban connectivity.
“It is an overall smart system aimed at improving the quality of experience for our valuable and hardworking commuters. By integrating free Wi-Fi into public transport infrastructure, MTC is not only improving accessibility but also encouraging economic participation and social inclusion.”
The BRT Wi-Fi rollout will be completed in phases, with MTC closely monitoring usage and providing regular updates on its progress. A formal launch event will be held upon full implementation, attended by Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, senior officials from MTC, the Transport Department, and BRT executives.
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