FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For general queries phone the Joburg Call Centre on 0860 JOBURG (0860 562 874).

Rea Vaya’s automatic transfer system means you won’t get charged for a new trip when you change buses while in transit. If you catch more than one Rea Vaya bus to get to your destination, you should ideally only be charged for one trip. If your second bus ride is counted as a continuation of your first bus ride, instead of as a new trip, then your overall journey will be cheaper

How do I read the bus schedule?

To read the bus schedule, first identify where your stop is in relation to the published timepoints on your route. If your stop is between timepoints, use the given time for the time point before your stop for your bus stop’s time. The schedule is in a table format with timepoints listed in the column headers. To determine the time the bus will be at your stop, read the times listed under your time point. Read the schedule left to right to follow the route. Additional help in reading the schedule is available from your friendly driver or the customer service staff at the station.

Where do I buy a Smartcard?

The smartcards are available at all Rea Vaya stations.

Give more information on activating the card

Your card will not work or load points unless it is activated first with the cashier at the station. The card is activated once.

Do I buy and activate a new Smartcard at the same time

Yes, you must activate your card immediately.

What are Rea Vaya Points?

Rea Vaya Points is a points-based system that uses points instead of cash to travel on the Rea Vaya buses. Points are loaded onto passenger’s smartcards and deducted when passengers “tap in and tap out” during travels. One point is equivalent to R1.00

What are the benefits of Rea Vaya points?

Passengers earn bonus points when loading R51.00 or more onto their smartcards and this will provide extra trips to travel for free. The more points you load, the more bonus points you receive. You can earn between 5% and 12.5% bonus points when you load between R51.00 and R700.00 in a single transaction. No loading fees attached.

How to load Rea Vaya points in the card?

You can buy Rea Vaya points for travelling at the cashiers at all Rea Vaya stations. Rea Vaya Points is a points-based system that uses points instead of cash to travel on the Rea Vaya buses. Points are loaded onto passenger’s smartcards and deducted when passengers “tap in and tap out” during travels. One point is equivalent to R1.

What about single and double trip cards?

You can also buy single trip card for R21.00 and double trip card for R42.00 available at all Rea Vaya stations.

How do I check my balance?

Check your balance immediately after loading point at the station to check how many bonus points you have received.

Can I get a refund for lost card?

No, lost or stolen Smartcards will not be replaced or refunded. Your card is the same as having cash in your pocket. Keep your Smartcard safe at all times and begin to travel safely and securely.

How do I use the card?

Simply tap in and out for your journey.The card cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATM to purchase products or services over the telephone or Internet, on a self-service terminal or to pay toll fees. When you use your card, we will process each transaction against the balance available on your card. You will be able to use your card until your Rea Vaya points are used up. You are responsible to keep track of all transactions on your card to ensure that you do not exceed your card balance. A minimum of R16.00 or 16.00 points in your card is required before you can travel.

What must I do if the card is blocked/damaged?

You need to report the card immediately at the nearest Rea Vaya Customer Care Centre and buy a new Smartcard for R32.00. Any remaining points will be transfered into the new card within seven (7) working days.

What about penalties using the card?

A penalty fee of R32.00 will be charged if you do not “tap-out” to complete your journey. Rea Vaya journey begins with a “tap in” and ends with a “tap out”

Inspectors’ penalties

You will be charged a penalty evasion of R35.00 by inspectors for fare evasion and if you do not have the minimum balance R16.00 in your card.

How to avoid penalties

Always remember to “tap in and tapout” in the bus or at the station and ensure you have minimum amount of R16.00 in the Smartcard which is equivalent to the longest trip to travel within the Rea Vaya service.

Where can I find the expiry date of the new Smartcard

The expiry date is printed on the front of the Smartcard.

The City’s right to block or cancel the card

The City may immediately block or cancel the Card at any time without giving notice. This may include, without limitation, if (1) the City suspects fraud or illegal, unauthorized or improper conduct; (2) suspect that the City is exposed to any risk through your use of the Card or (3) the City is required by law, any regulatory authority or MasterCard to do so or so ordered by a court of law.

More information on Warranties?

No warranties, purchase protection,insurance, other promises or services are provided. We are not responsible for any loss arising from any failure, malfunction of electronic facilities or delay in point of sale device or our supporting or shared networks, where applicable, resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.