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The City's plans for an efficient bus transport system are well underway with the recent appointment of two successful international tenders. But in addition to tight deadlines, the City is now also facing the question of local labour involvement.
Executive Mayor Amos Masondo takes questions
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
JOBURG residents will be able to see a prototype Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit vehicle in action by as early as mid-February this year.
The tender for the assembly and maintenance of the 143 buses – 41 articulated and 102 complimentary – needed for phase 1A was awarded to Scania SA and Marcopolo South Africa who will deliver all the buses in time for the Confederations Cup starting in June 2009.
Executive Mayor Amos Masondo made the announcement at a special press conference held at the mayoral parlour on 28 January, saying it had to be concluded because of tight timeframes and deadlines.
"It is envisaged that the prototype complementary bus will be available for the general public to engage in a ‘look and feel' process as from mid-February," he confirmed.
The procurement process began in August last year with a "Request for information" which resulted in nine submissions received, of which five were short-listed.
The tight timelines have also resulted in the whole fleet having to be imported from Brazil fully built up, although both companies have local plants in Aeroton and Germiston respectively.
Scania will be responsible for building the chassis and drivelines of the buses while Marcopolo will build the bus bodies.
Speaking on the lack of local content, Rehana Moosajee, member of the mayoral committee for transport in the City said every effort will be made to transfer skills on the maintenance side and with time, empower local incumbents.
"We are quite confident that with the phases going forward, greater local content will be ensured."
And as was the case with the prototype Rea Vaya station in Joubert Park, which was launched in November 2008. Joburgers will have the opportunity to submit comments and make recommendations on the bus design once the prototype bus is available.
"Certain bus specifications are standard but there is some leeway for design changes, especially inside the bus," confirmed Moosajee.
Propulsion
Johannesburg has also gone the extra mile to ensure the best possible scenario in terms of its environmental management commitments, opting for the cleaner Euro IV diesel engine, instead of the Euro III, which is the minimum standard recommended by national specifications. It uses low-sulphur diesel comprising 50 parts per million of sulphur.
With the assistance of the Clinton Foundation, it investigated a range of options available for the BRT engines, ranging from hybrid and compressed natural gas, through to diesel and ethanol engines.
"The City investigated how to make a good contribution to the environment, eventually opting for the Euro IV," confirmed Bob Stanway, BRT Project Manager in the City.
Masondo was adamant that the City's plans and preparations are still on track and within budget.
"In conclusion, let me emphasise that for us in the City, the Rea Vaya BRT System is also part of the bigger programme of restoring the dignity of our people. We therefore have no intention of compromising on quality."
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