LIFE in Orlando has changed for the better since the advent of Rea Vaya, say commuters, who no longer have to rely on limited transport options.

Nonhlanhla Madonsela recalls the heady days of the World Cup

AN elderly lady steps off the bus and gazes uncertainly down the empty platform of the Rea Vaya station at Orlando.

A station ambassador rushes to help her, and in no time at all the bewildered expression on the woman’s face disappears and she confidently walks to the other end of the station to catch another bus to Dobsonville.

Situated between Mooki and Main streets in Soweto, Orlando Station can’t be missed. It is, after all, near the revamped Orlando Stadium.

The Rea Vaya station manager, Nonhlanhla Madonsela, says it is always busy in the morning and late afternoons. "We normally sell 500 to 600 tickets every day … It normally gets busier when there is a huge event at Orlando Stadium or when a popular soccer team is playing."

She remembers the hectic days during the football World Cup in 2010, especially when the kick off celebration concert was hosted by FIFA at the stadium.

Madonsela adds that many people around the station are taking advantage of Rea Vaya buses because of their cheaper fares. "Passengers don’t mind standing when the bus is full."

A few years ago, Orlando had to be content with limited transport options, but today it is humming with hope. Thembinkosi Mthethwa, who regularly catches the bus at Orlando Station, remembers the transport hardship before Rea Vaya bus services began.

Yanelisa Jizana has been using the station for a while

"I am happy that the government have invested in transport. It is convenient and affordable and gets me to my workplace in time."

Yanelisa Jizana, another Orlando resident, is glad that he now has plenty of choices. "I have been using this station for so many months and find it safer to board here than using a train."

Like many others, Jizana is impressed with the friendly staff at Orlando Station. "They are always there to assist people whenever there is a problem," he says.

In the past, he had to walk quite a long distance to board a train at the nearest station, but his life has become easier with the presence of the Rea Vaya station near his home.

Moses Malianga, another resident who stays close to the station, says Rea Vaya is an important step in addressing the transport crisis in Soweto. "It is reliable and once you get inside the bus, you will know that you are going to reach your destination."

Molly Ledwaba, a hairdresser in the city who uses the bus every day, describes Orlando Station as much safer and clean. "It has improved my life a lot. I don’t have to wait for so many hours just to get to work and no longer have to worry about fighting with  taxi drivers ," she chuckles.

An attractive feature of the station is the thought-provoking artworks by David Rossouw. There is an image of a horse-drawn carriage, and a second image of buses, trucks and cars.

Speaking about the works the artist says his passion lies in the evolution of transport. "The ways in which we travel have changed a lot over the last years and improvements in transport have made life easier for people."

Rossouw explains that the works are directly related to the developments taking place in Soweto. "My artworks are like a museum that remind people of the past."

They are also to open the interpretation. One of the station ambassadors, for example, likens the horse-drawn carriage to a Rea Vaya buses carrying passengers.

A trip from the Joburg Art Gallery in the east to Orlando Station in the southwest costs just R6,00. Along the way, you can catch a glimpse of the famous FNB Stadium – known as Soccer City during the World Cup – where the opening and final football matches were held.

Passengers can also immerse themselves in the everyday life of Soweto as it unfolds around them on their journey.

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