Metrobus has been given R60 million by the City of Johannesburg to purchase new buses in the 2023/2024 financial year. The bus operator had initially asked for R450 million to purchase new buses.
Johannesburg’s Transport MMC Funzela Ngobeni said the department had initially asked for R450 million, but only a portion of that money could be seta aside. “As political head of the City’s transport department, I can no longer ignore the pressing need to purchase new buses as part of a long-term strategy to renew the entity’s fleet,” said Ngobeni.
He indicated that the entity has been having challenges with providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport because of financial issues leading the buses to operate beyond their useful lifespan.
The lifespan of a metrobus should be for a maximum of 12 years but the Johannesburg metrobuses have been operating for between 15 and 20 years now.
“I will be working with the executive management of Metrobus and the board to look for long-term sustainable solutions towards bridging the gap between the funds that were requested and those that were allocated, such as seeking alternative funding mechanisms and revenue generating initiatives that will form part of the Metrobus’ turnaround strategy.”
Ngobeni said the turnaround strategy will also include a new system of collecting payment.
“This will enable Metrobus to remove cash from its bus in order to fully account for its revenue. About R99 million has been allocated for this system in the 2023/24financial year followed by a further R100 million in the year after.
“Metrobus’ ability to protect the revenue it collects will allow it sufficient capacity to begin working towards purchasing buses independent of the city.”