Johannesburg Unveils Free Wi‑Fi at Rea Vaya Bus Stations to Boost Digital Inclusion

Johannesburg Unveils Free Wi‑Fi at Rea Vaya Bus Stations to Boost Digital Inclusion
Photo by Paul Hanaoka / Unsplash

The City of Johannesburg through its municipal entity the Metropolitan Trading Company (MTC) has launched an initiative to provide free Wi-Fi access across all Rea Vaya Bus stations. The project is aimed at promoting digital inclusivity and marks a significant step in the City’s ongoing plan to turn Johannesburg into a smarter, more connected hub.

According to the statement, the rollout will offer various benefits including 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 the free Wi-Fi can also be leveraged by students for online learning, research and accessing academic resources. Additionally, the service will facilitate better interaction with the City’s digital platforms such as e-Joburg, allowing residents to submit meter readings and pay municipal bills.

MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene says the initiative is part of targeted efforts to make Johannesburg a digitised smart city, he says, “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.”

The BRT Wi-Fi rollout will be completed in phases, with the 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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