Metrobus unveils 105 newly refurbished buses
The additional buses will ensure that Metrobus bolsters its fleet capacity for daily operations to ensure that it provides a reliable service, even during peak hours.
Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse confirmed 105 newly refurbished buses will enhance daily bus availability as the demand for public transport increases, due to the ever-increasing petrol price.
She was peaking at the Metrobus Roodepoort Depot on July 13.
“Public transport routes are like arteries, taking job seekers, workers and employees, customers, learners, and students to and from where they need to be. Metrobus provides this essential and basic service to commuters every year,” said the mayor.
“Not everyone stays close to economic and personal opportunities, but this matters less when public transport is affordable, works well and is well integrated.
“It is worth mentioning that we had set the target of refurbishing 100 buses, but we exceeded this target at a cost of about R50m.
This is a huge boost for the second largest bus operator in South Africa, which employs 890 people, operating a fleet of 420 buses, which includes two luxury buses and six special needs buses with hydraulic wheelchair lifts.
“I am pleased to launch another breakthrough on our journey towards building a city of golden opportunities, which provides a safe and reliable transport service to the residents of Joburg.
“The Bus Refurbishment Programme will extend the useful life of the existing fleet by another six to seven years, at less the cost of procuring new busses. We have achieved this goal.
“We undertook to refurbish the entire bus drive train, renew flooring and seating to modernise the buses, which will mainly be deployed to high traffic routes to improve bus intervals during the morning and afternoon peak-time periods.
“We took the decision to re-fleet and restructure our buses because we believe that for Johannesburg to truly become a city of golden opportunities, public transport ought to be the first means of choice,” she said.
She mentioned that these are quality buses that residents can rely on to ensure safe transportation, the kind of buses that would contribute to clean air and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
All 105 of these new buses have commenced operation.
“We are proud to have contributed to the creation of 63 local jobs through this refurbishment programme. We are also pleased to launch Metrobus’ next three-year R90m refurbishment programme on its seven-year-old buses.
Quality public transport is a great equaliser in society, and we are committed to building an equal society where everyone has the opportunities they need to get ahead in life and live a life they value.
“Our safe and reliable bus fleet is of critical importance. Therefore, a quality inspector was appointed within the depot to continuously check and monitor the quality of work performed during refurbishment. If defects are detected the buses are taken back for rework. We cannot compromise on such standards.
“The city’s VIPs, the six million residents of Joburg, are now guaranteed safe and reliable transport. Metrobus remains an integral part of our priority of building a business-friendly and inclusive city.
“The entity plays a pivotal role in the promotion of economic activity, by ensuring sustainable mobility and equitable access are key economic opportunities,” noted Phalatse.
