Tshwane metro has launched new state-of-the-art buses to improve the standard of the public transport system in the city centre.
Executive mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa officially launched the new fleet at C De Wet Bus Depot in the city centre on Wednesday. The buses were built by Man Truck and Bus and the city has received 42 of 120 buses. The remainder are expected to be delivered and be in use by December.
Ramokgopa said one way to make the city function efficiently was is to introduce a reliable, safe, affordable and efficient public transport system.
The mayor said the metro was committed to offering a bus service that meets high international standards while penalising private car usuage in the city centre.
“We are going to be biased towards mass public transport. That is the reason we are introducing these buses.”
MMC for Roads and Transport, George Matjila said the new buses represented a giant leap forward for Tshwane metro, improving its service to citizens. “These buses are testimony to the fact that we are well on our way to delivering a capital city of the future, which is a liveable, resilient, sustainable and prosperous capital city.”
He said they would look at expanding the bus services in future to areas not served before.
Matjila said they 20 of the buses provide easy access to people with disabilities and complies with the national transport department’s universal access to public transport policy.
The buses were obtained on a three-year full maintenance lease and thereafter full ownership will be transferred to the city at no additional cost. After the lease period the metro will be responsible for maintaining the buses.
“The buses will be on full repair and maintenance program for the three years, meanwhile our personal technical employees will be trained by MAN,” Matjie said.
Buses will be equipped with automated fee collection systems. Therefore drivers will not need to handle cash and can focus on their main job of driving instead.
Matjila said these buses have a capacity for 45 seated and 20 standing passengers and have impressive safety features. Buses are equipped with power assisted steering, are affordable and eco-friendly. They also have low suspension for easy access and the fleet will stand out with its prominent metro branding.
The Tshwane Bus Services (TBS) will operate in tandem with the city’s new Tshwane Bus Rapid System, A Re Yeng – transporting commuters to and from Tshwane Bus Rapid System stations.
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