Metrobus hits the road with new project
This will contribute to the creation of 110 local jobs in the bus manufacturing sector.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – On Friday, July 24, Mpho Parks Tau, Executive Mayor for the City of Johannesburg, introduced a fleet of 70 new Metrobuses as part of the ‘New beginning for Metrobus’ programme.
The new buses started operation on Monday, July 27, and it is expected that by June 2016, there will be 190 new buses on the streets of Johannesburg. From August 2015 until June 2016, 20 new buses will be rolled out per month. This rollout is in line with Johannesburg’s Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) 2040 and the Metrobus turn-around strategy.
The New beginning for Metrobus programme includes the rollout of dual fuel buses and the conversion and rehabilitation of existing buses to use both diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG). This will contribute to the creation of 110 local jobs in the bus manufacturing sector. The buses have all been locally refurbished by Vehicle Gas Solutions which created new skilled jobs in the economy.
“We are at the beginning of a new journey not only of service to our residents, but a new journey of contributing to the green and blue economy and making our planet more sustainable for present and future generations,” said Mayor Tau.
“We wanted buses that would contribute to clean air and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and in that way make a positive and meaningful contribution in the fight against climate change.”
The Metrobus fleet project will ensure an improved and adequate service delivery for commuters. All the new buses will be fitted with a fleet management system that will assist Metrobus to track the fleet all over the city and also monitor the performance of the buses and driving skills of the drivers. This will contribute to the safety of the commuters and other road users.
“The buses have been rebranded in new colours that demonstrate safe, reliable and quality public transport. The New beginning for Metrobus is reflective of Metrobus’ commitment to quality service delivery. Drivers are being provided with intensive training to ensure commuter safety and improved customer service,” said Mavela Dlamini, the managing director of Metrobus.
