Public transportation is an essential part of Johannesburg’s daily life, connecting communities and providing affordable options for commuting across the city. The Metrobus service, operated by the City of Johannesburg, is one of the primary bus services available, offering extensive routes that cover the entire city through a unique zoning system.
This article delves into the details of Metrobus Pricing and Zones, making it easy for commuters to understand the fare structure and navigate the city with ease.
Understanding Metrobus Pricing and Zones
The Metrobus Pricing and Zones structure is designed to ensure that commuters pay fair prices based on the distance they travel. To simplify fare calculations, Metrobus has divided Johannesburg into six concentric zones radiating from the Central Business District (CBD). This zoning system allows for transparent and consistent fare calculations.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Metrobus zones:
- Zone 1: Extends from the city centre to Parktown, covering Joe Slovo Drive and Louis Botha Avenue.
- Zone 2: Starts from the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Empire Road in Braamfontein and stretches to the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Tyrwhitt Road in Rosebank.
- Zone 3: Covers the route from the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Tyrwhitt Road in Rosebank to Craighall Park.
- Zone 4: Encompasses Craighall Park along Beyers Naude Drive to the Randburg Mall.
- Zone 5: Extends from the Randburg Mall to Beverley Gardens.
- Zone 6: Covers the distance from Beverley Gardens to Northgate.
The fare for each journey is determined by the number of zones a commuter crosses. For example, traveling from Zone 1 to Zone 4 means crossing four zones, and the fare is calculated accordingly.
This straightforward system allows passengers to estimate their Metrobus Pricing and Zones costs before embarking on their journey.
Major Routes within the Metrobus Zones
Metrobus routes cover a large part of Johannesburg, with many routes starting from Zone 1 in the CBD and branching out to various residential and commercial areas. As demand for public transport increases, Metrobus has expanded its routes to include direct connections between key locations, bypassing the city centre entirely.
For instance, a dedicated route connects Soweto, Sandton, and Sunninghill without the need to pass through the CBD. This direct route offers a more convenient option for commuters traveling between these areas.
In addition to the standard routes, Metrobus operates three cross-town routes that connect different parts of the city:
- Route 520: Travels between Naturena and Randburg Centre.
- Route 420: Connects Westgate Shopping Centre and Randburg Centre via Strijdom Park.
- Route 421: Offers four variations:
- R421 A: Bellevue to Auckland Park.
- R421 F: Bellevue to Fairlands.
- R421 N: Yeoville to Northgate.
- R421 S: Yeoville to Strijdom Park.
These cross-town routes enable commuters to reach various destinations without transferring through the CBD, reducing travel time and simplifying the commute for many passengers.
Metrobus Pricing and Zones: Fare Structure and Payment Options
The Metrobus Pricing and Zones fare structure is governed by the City Council and regulated through a council by-law. Fares are calculated based on the number of zones crossed, ensuring that commuters only pay for the distance traveled. Metrobus strives to maintain affordable fares, with price adjustments kept within the inflation rate to prevent sudden increases in costs for passengers.
Prepaid Tags: A Cost-Effective Payment Solution
Metrobus encourages the use of prepaid tags rather than cash payments, as prepaid tags offer several benefits, including discounted fares and the convenience of not needing to carry cash. Different coloured tags are available depending on the commuter’s profile and travel frequency.
Prepaid tags can be purchased at several Computicket outlets across the city, including:
| Outlet | Address | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ghandi Square | Main Street, JHB CBD | Monday – Friday 05:30 – 18:30, Saturday 06:00 – 14:00, Sunday and Holidays Closed |
| Cresta Mall | Cresta Shopping Centre, Beyers Naude Drive | Monday – Saturday 08:30 – 18:00, Sunday 09:00 – 15:00 |
| Park Station | JHB Park Station, Lower Level, Braamfontein | Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:00, Saturday 08:30 – 13:00, Sunday and Holidays Closed |
| Shoprite Ridgeway | Swartgoud & Rifle Range Rd, Ridgeway, 2091 | Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 18:00, Sunday and Holidays 08:00 – 14:00 |
| Roodepoort Metrobus Depot | 15 President Street, Princess, Roodepoort | Monday – Friday 08:30 – 18:00, Saturday 08:30 – 13:00, Sunday and Holidays Closed |
| Rosebank Mall | Rosebank Mall opposite Pick & Pay | Monday – Friday 09:00 – 18:00, Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, Sunday and Holidays 09:00 – 16:00 |
Types of Prepaid Tags and Their Benefits
- Green Tags: These are for regular adult commuters and offer options for 52 trips monthly, 44 trips monthly, 14 trips weekly, 12 trips weekly, and 10 trips weekly.
- Red Tags: Intended for school children, these tags can be preloaded with a specific number of trips, such as 130-trip term tickets, 44 trips monthly, or 10 trips weekly. The tag eliminates the need for children to carry money for fares.
- Yellow Tags: Designed for people with disabilities, yellow tags are valid for three months and ensure ease of access for those needing special accommodations.
- Black Tags: Pensioners use black tags that are valid for one year and offer a 50% discount on bus trips. This helps senior citizens manage their transportation costs effectively.
- Stored Value Tags: These tags function like a debit card for commuters who travel infrequently. The fare is deducted based on the number of zones traveled. Commuters using stored value tags enjoy a 10% discount on fares, making it a cost-effective option.
Important Guidelines for Using Prepaid Tags
- Tag Activation: Commuters must load the number of zones they plan to travel onto their tags. The tag will only allow travel within the specified zones.
- Transfers: Passengers using prepaid tags must complete any transfers within two hours of the initial scan. This ensures smooth transitions between routes without incurring additional charges.
- Lost or Stolen Tags: If a tag is lost or stolen, it can be reported immediately and will be deactivated to prevent misuse.
- Pass-Back Feature: To prevent fraudulent use, all prepaid tags have a 10-minute pass-back feature, which prevents the tag from being used again within 10 minutes of swiping.
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Metrobus Pricing and Zones: Bus Hire for Special Occasions
Metrobus vehicles are available for hire for special occasions, making it a convenient option for large group transportation, events, or corporate outings. Whether it’s for a wedding, school excursion, or company event, Metrobus offers a reliable solution for special trips.
To inquire about hiring a bus, contact Metrobus via email at busqueries@joburg.org.za or reach out to the Bus Hire Office at the Fordsburg Depot by calling 011 832 3135/6/7 or fax 011 832 3138.