Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said it was hoping to reintroduce the Integrated Public Transport System bus services again in the next two months.
That was the word from the Mayoral Committee Member for Roads and Transport, Bradley Murray, who briefed the media on Tuesday at the premises of Billson Trucks in Deal Party on the progress of the refurbishment of some of the busses and the repairs being undertaken to others.
Last August 25 buses were taken off the road due to safety concerns including issues of roadworthiness, wear and tear, and engine problems.
He said that they would all be fixed after the City concluded a contract with Volvo for the refurbishment of the buses.
"As soon as we get four buses ready we will go back onto the road. I am hoping and praying that by close to the end of May, towards June and July, the crux of the Winter, we want to have these operations running already," Murray said.
“Our top priority remains passenger safety. All refurbished buses undergo rigorous testing and inspections to ensure they meet or exceed industry safety standards."
7 May 2024
— Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (@NMandelaBaymuni) May 7, 2024
NMBM updates stakeholders on major IPTS work underwayhttps://t.co/FxpO1GwM7w pic.twitter.com/4kSI2okwnO
Murray also said that they were in talks with the taxi industry to open routes in Kariega, including Kwanobuhle.
IPTS shareholder, Christian King said beneficiaries were pleased with the latest developments and would support the Metro’s initiatives.
“We are very happy about the intervention of the Municipality, we have all the associations around one table now to try to remedy this situation and to look at how we can make progress to expand the system to Kariega and other areas,” King said
Meanwhile, with the winter season being the target for the official return of the busses, the issue of the damaged IPTS infrastructure needs to be tackled.
Murray said funds were set aside for the upgrading of the current bus stops. "The focus is getting the busses on the road and once we have done that, the grant unlocks and the refurbishment of the bus stops will commence."
