Johannesburg’s public transport system received a boost on Tuesday when Daimler Chrysler delivered 38 new buses to Metrobus.
Daimler Chrysler president Wolfgang Diez said the buses would form part of the World-Class Public Transport Programme, which would play a vital role during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The programme aims to provide efficient, air, road and rail transport.
Metrobus had bought the buses from Daimler Chrysler, and was expecting 90 more.
”The buses will offer safety and comfort to commuters,” he told the launch of the ”re-fleeting programme” at the Metrobus depot in Milpark.
Among the 38 buses handed over were six made for the handicapped.
These buses come with an electric step that will make it possible for people in wheelchairs to get on and off.
Transport councillor Rehana Moosajee said the city needed to provide commuters with quality service.
”We need to eradicate the perception that public transport is unreliable and unsafe,” she said.
Moosajee also said that the city needed to improve the public transport system ”not only for visitors coming to watch the World Cup but also for the citizens of Gauteng”.
She also said people who vandalise buses and tear out seats should be dealt with. — Sapa