The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has successfully completed and finalised the Universal Design Access Plan (UDAP) for the City of Johannesburg’s integrated public transport network (IPTN), marking a vital step in creating a more accessible, inclusive and equitable transport system for all residents.

Developed over an 18-month period from January 2025 to June this year, the UDAP provides a comprehensive roadmap for embedding universal accessibility principles across Johannesburg’s IPTN.

The design plan identifies existing barriers and outlines practical interventions to improve accessibility in infrastructure, operations, passenger information systems, customer care, fare systems, vehicles and communications.

It also adopts a holistic “travel chain” approach, recognising that accessibility extends beyond stations and vehicles to include pedestrian routes, signage, information systems, customer service and seamless connections between different modes of transport.

“This plan is a commitment to human dignity, equal opportunity and social inclusion. Accessible public transport empowers people to participate fully in economic and social life, while helping to remove barriers that have historically excluded many residents from opportunities across the city," says JDA CEO Themba Mathibe.

The UDAP assessed public transport facilities and services across Johannesburg, including bus rapid transport operator Rea Vaya, municipal bus operator Metrobus and other transport operators, evaluating accessibility across the entire passenger value chain — from trip planning and information access to boarding, travelling and reaching a destination.

Moreover, the UDAP applies to people with disabilities, older persons, pregnant women, parents travelling with young children and any passenger who may experience mobility challenges when using public transport.

The national Department of Transport has reviewed and approved the UDAP for submission to Johannesburg’s City Council, recognising it as an important framework for strengthening universal accessibility within the city's transport network.

The completion plan will now be tabled before the City of Johannesburg’s Section 79 Committee for consideration ahead of the submission to council for approval and adoption.