Metrobus set to refurbish 100 buses by July
These refurbishments will bring joy to the commuters as more buses will be on the road.
Out with the old and in with the revamped Metrobus, which is taking to the streets one by one following the allocation of R48-million to refurbish some of its buses.
MMC for Transport Funzela Ngobeni has been inundated with complaints from commuters about the state of Metrobus, particularly the quality of the service it offers.
“This is influenced by the frequent breakdown of buses, which affects the reliability and frequency of Metrobus’ service, the quality of passengers’ experience and the revenue the company generates to sustain itself,” he explained.
According to the transport’s deputy director of communications and stakeholder management, Olebogeng Molatlhwa, the aim of the bus refurbishment programme is ultimately to extend the useful life of the buses by at least five years. The programme started in July 2019 and will be completed by the end of July.
“At the time of the programme’s completion, we hope the City will have reliable, safe and renewed buses that will serve commuters, while the re-fleeting plan is being put in place,” added Molatlhwa.
The Metrobus’ refurbishment programme has set itself a target of refurbishing 100 buses, including performing engine overhauls and significant body repair work. Some 79 buses have been refurbished so far with the outstanding 21 set to be completed by the end of June. The entity is expected to complete the recruitment of mechanics to undertake routine maintenance and repairs.
“Once refurbished, these vehicles will add to the almost 300 buses operational and ferrying residents to various destinations,” noted Xoliswa Mhlongo, the MD for Metrobus.
In addition to the physical state of the buses, Ngobeni has raised his concern about the buses often exceeding the number of allowed passengers. He had first-hand experience through his previous blitz operation with executives from Metrobus.
“I boarded several buses from Turffontein, Rosettenville and South Hills, where I witnessed buses exceeding capacity even before reaching the halfway mark of their journey to either Gandhi Square or further, especially during peak hours between 06:30 and 08:00.
“The excessive number of passengers on some routes, as I witnessed is particularly in the Southern region. This proves that despite the challenges faced by the company, there is a significant demand for Metrobus to tap into and become a self-sustaining entity that will turn a profit, allowing it to continue providing affordable and reliable public transport,” explained Ngobeni.
Apart from the refurbishment programme, the entity will also introduce an Automated Fare Collection system that will allow Metrobus to receive and protect all revenue due to it.
“While that system will be introduced in 2023, Mhlongo has given me the undertaking that the entity’s management will consider interim measures to receive and protect the company’s revenue in the meantime, including entering a lease agreement for new ticketing machines in our buses,” said Ngobeni.
