Selby bus depot to be revamped

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The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is revamping the Selby bus depot in the Johannesburg inner-city, to turn it into a state-of-the-art Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) depot.

 This according to a statement released on behalf of the MMC for Development Planning, councillor Reuben Masango and the MMC for Transport, councillor Nonhlanhla Makhuba.

“The construction of the Selby BRT Depot, which is on the cards for completion in June 2020, is being undertaken in phases, namely phase 1, phase 2B and phase 2C, ” said marketing director of the JDA, Susan Monyai. 

Monyai added that the first phase, now complete, entailed the construction of the perimeter fence, bus parking area platform, site access road, main parking area driveway upgrade and the construction of the main entrance road into the depot (along Pat Mbatha Road intersection with Ignatius Street).

Monyai also said phase 2B; construction of the bus depot workshops and refueling garages, and phase 2C; construction of the administration building, are currently underway.

“Once completed, the Selby BRT Depot, which was formerly used by Putco Bus, will accommodate up to 270 buses and feature an administration building, maintenance building, washing, and refuelling bays and an Intelligent Transport System control centre. The administration block features ablution facilities, a canteen, offices, and staff and visitors parking,” said Monyai.

The depot, which will service two Rea Vaya BRT operating companies, will be utilised for major and minor maintenance of buses, by maintaining in-service buses and out of service buses.

“This centrally located depot will minimise dead mileage, as well as minimise the time lost by buses in traffic congestion between depots and route starting points,” said Makhuba.

 “This facility is a testament to the City’s medium-term focus to improving the existing bulk infrastructure to support increased development, improve public environments and social facilities, as well as linkages to the public transport facilities.”

Monyai explained that environmentally-friendly features included lights controlled by sensors; a robust, mild steel sheeting for the roof; cladding to help with climate control; and a noise-wall barrier erected around the premises.

The roof structures will also allow direct sunlight into the building to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Water is recycled for reuse in the buildings and the wash bay. This construction will also play a role in job creation and skills development, with 30 per cent of the contract value being awarded to SMMEs.

“Public transport and related infrastructure have been seen as an instrument for change; with initiatives encouraging transit services to function at an optimum level, and help contribute to reshaping urban form and catalyse further development in the inner-city and the city as a whole,” said Masango.