The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has made progress in the major refurbishment of the Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) buses.
The initiative, designed to improve safety, reliability, and accessibility, comes after the buses were taken off the road in August last year due to safety concerns.
Following months of planning and supply chain processes, Councillor Bradley Murray, Mayoral Committee Member for Roads and Transport, conducted an oversight visit on Tuesday, May 7, to assess the ongoing work and provide an update to the affected residents.
During the visit, he highlighted the progress made so far and outlined plans for further refurbishment.
“In August last year, we took a decision to remove the remaining two buses from service because they were not roadworthy. We have a total of 25 buses in the IPTS fleet, and we are fixing all of them. Today we are showcasing the work done so far; one bus has been completely refurbished,” said Murray.
The municipality’s partnership with Volvo, responsible for refurbishing and maintaining the buses, has taken some time to formalise. However, the progress is evident.
“The first bus that went into the workshop has been refurbished completely, from the seats to the tyres. Every button now works, and we are excited about the quality of work.
“We have two more buses in the workshop, and plan to take four more later this week. To resume service, we need at least four roadworthy buses,” the MMC explained.
Murray called for co-operation among stakeholders to ensure that the transport system is fully operational again.
He also mentioned that the metro is in the process of procuring 20 new buses to bolster the fleet.
He noted that the existing routes would remain unchanged for now, but discussions with the taxi industry were ongoing to open up new routes in KwaNobuhle and Kariega.
The refurbishment work includes extensive upgrades, such as engine and transmission overhauls, enhanced suspension and brake systems, and the installation of advanced safety technology, including collision avoidance systems and improved lighting.
“We are very happy with the municipality’s intervention. We have all the associations around one table working together to remedy the situation and expand the system to Kariega and other areas,” said IPTS shareholder, Christian King, expressing satisfaction with the municipality’s efforts.
The municipality’s Mamela Ndamase said that passenger safety remains a top priority, with all refurbished buses undergoing rigorous testing and inspections to meet or exceed industry safety standards.
Additionally, new seating and interior design enhance passenger comfort and accessibility.
Safety protocols and emergency systems have been updated, with repairs to wheelchair ramps and designated seating areas for passengers with disabilities.
“We urge our communities to be more patient with us as we rebuild the system to be safe and sustainable,” said Murray, urging the community to be patient as the system undergoes its transformation.
