Johannesburg has launched its Transport Month 2026 programme, putting traffic signal upgrades, road repairs, Rea Vaya connectivity and commuter safety on the agenda this October. Launched on Thursday, 1 October, the programme is led by the City of Johannesburg Transport Department under the theme “Working Together Through Public Private Partnerships.” The City says the campaign will bring together municipal entities, government, transport operators and other partners to address parts of Johannesburg’s transport network.
Transport Month has been observed nationally every October since it was established following the 2005 Transport Lekgotla. Nationally, the campaign highlights transport infrastructure and services, road safety and the sector’s role in the economy.
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Seven priorities for Johannesburg in October
The City has identified seven areas for its 2026 programme:
- Improve universal access by working with persons with disabilities
- Introduce a reward system for high performing public transport drivers
- Promote transport careers through educational outreach
- Use public private partnerships to accelerate road and traffic light maintenance
- Raise awareness about transport emissions and public health
- Encourage walking and cycling
- Introduce free WiFi at Rea Vaya stations
Johannesburg MMC for Transport Councillor Kenny Kunene said reducing congestion and repairing road infrastructure are also central to the programme.
The City will work with Metrobus, Rea Vaya, the Metropolitan Trading Company and Johannesburg Roads Agency, alongside other government and transport partners.
Braamfontein traffic signal project unveiled
One of the infrastructure interventions highlighted by the City is its Traffic Signal Backup Power Supply Partnership with Wits University.
According to Kunene, work has included upgraded traffic signals, underground chambers, pedestrian countdown timer signals, audible pushbuttons and lane lights across seven intersecting streets in Braamfontein.
The individual intersections were not identified in the City’s announcement.
The project is an example of the public private partnership approach Johannesburg wants to use to address traffic signal and road infrastructure maintenance.
Rea Vaya stations set for free WiFi
Rea Vaya passengers are also set to receive free WiFi at stations.
The City says the initiative is intended to improve digital inclusion and passenger security.
A station by station rollout schedule has not yet been provided, meaning commuters will need to wait for further implementation details.
Road maintenance and congestion targeted
Johannesburg also wants to accelerate road network and traffic light maintenance through partnerships with the private sector.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency is among the entities involved.
While road repairs form part of the October programme, the City has not provided a list of roads or timelines for individual projects.
Congestion is another focus, with the City linking its plans to broader efforts around public transport, walking and cycling.
Road safety programme targets public transport drivers
A new reward system for public transport drivers forms part of Johannesburg’s road safety plans.
The programme is intended to recognise and incentivise high performing drivers.
The City has not yet provided details about how drivers will qualify or what rewards will be offered.
At national level, road safety is also one of the Department of Transport’s focus areas during October.
Walking, cycling and transport emissions
Johannesburg wants to encourage more residents to consider walking, cycling and public transport.
The City will use October to raise awareness about road transport emissions and their relationship with public health.
Kunene said the intention is to encourage a behavioural shift towards cycling, road safety and public transit.
The environmental focus sits alongside the City’s plans to address congestion and improve mobility.
Making transport more accessible
Johannesburg says it will work directly with persons with disabilities as part of efforts to improve universal access.
The aim is to ensure that accessibility forms part of planning for the city’s transport networks.
Specific accessibility projects were not identified in the announcement.
The City has also invited civil society and transport interest groups to participate in activities during the month.
Transport careers for young people
Educational outreach will take place at the Sci Bono Discovery Centre and Transport Museum to expose young people to careers in the transport sector.
The programme forms part of Johannesburg’s career development objective.
No dates for the outreach activities were included in the announcement.
Who is involved in Transport Month 2026?
Johannesburg’s Transport Department is leading the programme with several municipal entities and external partners.
Participants identified by the City include:
- Metrobus
- Rea Vaya
- Metropolitan Trading Company
- Johannesburg Roads Agency
- Environmental Infrastructure Service Department
- Joburg Development Agency
- Gauteng Provincial Government
- PRASA
- PUTCO
- Community based organisations
- Transport interest groups
Residents and local businesses have also been invited to participate in activities during October.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For people travelling through Johannesburg, the most relevant developments are those that could affect everyday journeys.
The Braamfontein project brings changes to traffic signals and pedestrian infrastructure, while the Rea Vaya initiative could give passengers access to free WiFi at stations.
Road maintenance and traffic light repairs are also included in the programme, although the City has not yet identified specific roads or project schedules.
For pedestrians and people with disabilities, the focus on universal access, countdown timers and audible pushbuttons also places attention on how streets and transport infrastructure serve people who are not travelling by car.
Several initiatives still require implementation details. These include the Rea Vaya WiFi rollout, accessibility interventions and public transport driver reward programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transport Month 2026?
Transport Month is observed throughout October and focuses on transport infrastructure, public transport, road safety and the role of transport in South Africa’s economy. The initiative dates back to the 2005 Transport Lekgotla.
What is Johannesburg doing for Transport Month?
Johannesburg’s programme includes traffic signal and road maintenance, Rea Vaya WiFi, road safety initiatives, accessibility, walking and cycling, environmental awareness and transport career programmes.
Is Rea Vaya getting free WiFi?
Yes. The City has announced free WiFi connectivity across Rea Vaya stations. A detailed rollout schedule has not yet been provided.
What traffic signal upgrades are happening in Braamfontein?
The City says work across seven intersecting streets includes upgraded traffic signals, underground chambers, pedestrian countdown timers, audible pushbuttons and lane lights.
Which Johannesburg roads will be repaired?
The City has identified road maintenance as a priority but has not provided a list of specific roads or repair timelines.
What happens next
Johannesburg’s programme will continue throughout October, with attention now shifting from the announced objectives to implementation.
Further information is expected on which Rea Vaya stations will receive WiFi, where road maintenance will take place and how the driver reward and accessibility initiatives will operate.
The City’s Transport Department will implement the programme alongside municipal entities, Gauteng government, transport operators and other participating organisations.
For commuters, the practical impact will depend on how these projects translate into changes on Johannesburg’s roads, at public transport facilities and along pedestrian routes.
