The Built & Human Environment Review, Volume 4, Special Issue 2, 2011 56 Some Missing Dimensions of Urban Public Transport in Africa: Insights and Perspectives from South Africa Chakwizira, J. 1 , Bikam P. 2 , Dayomi M.A. 3 , Adeboyejo, T.A. 1 . james.chakwizira@univen.ac.za , jameschakwizira@yahoo.com 1 University of Venda, School of Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa 2 Development Bank of Southern Africa, 1248 Lever Road, Headway Hill, Midrand, 1685, South Africa 3 University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Architecture, Planning and Housing, Durban 4041, South Africa Abstract The purpose of this article is to present some missing dimensions in urban public transport in Africa making use of experiences and case studies from South Africa. A rapid assessment of the potential of urban mass transport interventions such as the Gautrain and Rea Vaya bus rapid transit (brt) as masterstrokes to public transport ―pain points and hotspots‖ is explored. The analytical framework of the paper focuses on understanding the impact of such interventions in addressing challenges of peripheral and marginal pro-poor communities in South Africa using Soweto, Soshanguve & Hammanskraal as case studies. The study relied mainly on creative analysis of secondary data complemented by primary data to craft assessment profiles and scenario options. Interim results illustrate and profile the impact of transport interventions on poor communities. The preliminary assessment results show that while public transport interventions such as the Gautrain and rea vaya brt have great potential in addressing public transport challenges for pro-poor communities, the current initiatives fall short of expectations. This is explained three-fold. First, the existing public route transport alignment and spatial configuration of Gautrain route and Rea Vaya brt reinforce existing operational economic routes and corridor services. This consolidates the inherited geographical spatial accessibility and mobility challenges in urban areas of South Africa. Second, the Gautrain and Rea Vaya brt terminal infrastructure developments are located away from the marginal communities‘ location. These communities, especially in Pretoria still need to interchange a minimum of two transport modes in order to access and use the Gautrain or Rea Vaya brt routes. Third, the Rea Vaya brt routes in Johannesburg and Pretoria run parallel and have adopted what are traditionally viewed as ―minibus or taxi routes‖. This is viewed as unhealthy competition in public transport improvement interventions as taxi associations and commuters argue that the Rea Vaya brt routes could have considered the outlying and underserviced routes as a way of improving transport services for marginal transport communities. it is recommended that going into the future balancing social route servicing with economic routes will provide for lasting improvements to an inclusive public transport agenda. The Gautrain route needs extension and future plans should find an optimal mix of integrating the north – south axis with an east – west configuration. In addition other options such as light rail as well as opening and or reviving metro train services to such peripheral areas like Hammanskraal require priority. Keywords: urban public transport, rapid transit systems, interventions, South Africa, Africa