The Root Cause of Revenue Loss by Rapid Bus Transit Systems in South Africa

Transportation facilities play an important role in the socio-economic development of any country and South Africa is no exception. The implementation of Bus Rapid Transit systems in cities since 2006 has brought numerous benefits and growth to both individuals and the entire nation. These advantages include reduced travel times, increased accessibility, increased affordability and more employment opportunities. This study aims to investigate the reasons behind the revenue losses faced by Bus Rapid Transit systems despite their advantages. Interviews and observations were conducted to gather data from cashiers working within the payment system of one of the Bus Rapid Transit systems. The findings reveal that challenges such as training issues, staff interventions and network outages contribute to revenue loss. Additionally, it becomes evident that there are underlying problems related to system integration and security that aggravate the situation further. Understanding these factors is crucial in order to identify the potential solutions and improve the financial sustainability of Bus Rapid Transit systems in South Africa.