MBSA CEO and president, Dr Martin Zimmermann says: "It is indeed with an immeasurable sense of honour and privilege that we as Mercedes-Benz South Africa is part of this monumental occasion, fittingly falling within Transport Month. This is an important BRT project for Mercedes-Benz in the country and we are optimistic that it will enable us to transfer our extensive international experience and knowledge on BRT to South Africa. We value this opportunity to provide reliable, sustainable and efficient mobility to the people of Johannesburg."
The City of Johannesburg has awarded the Rea Vaya Phase 1B tender to Sandown Motor Holdings. The Rea Vaya Phase 1B 18km covers 10-stations from Soweto and passes through Noordegesig, New Canada, Pennyville, Bosmont, Coronationville, Newclare, Westbury, Westdene, Melville, Auckland Park and Parktown linking to the CBD.
The chassis were assembled at MBSA's award-winning plant in East London on a bus dedicated assembly line. The articulated and complementary Euro V bus chassis were imported in Complete Knock-down Kits (CKD). This strategic decision has been taken to enhance the local content of the Mercedes-Benz bus chassis, increasing employment and enhancing skills development. "We utilised as much locally manufactured parts in the assembly of the bus chassis as possible. Tyres, wiring looms, piping, fuel tanks, driver & vehicle management system as well as oils and lubricants were sourced locally," says Zimmermann.
Zimmermann elaborates, "Our international experience in BRT systems through Daimler is extensive. Our holding company has already successfully implemented the planning through to introduction and provision of buses in cities around the world, such as Istanbul and Mexico City. An excess of 17,000 buses by Mercedes-Benz are operating for more than 20 BRT systems globally. In the 13 countries with BRT operations where we have a presence, our market share averages 65%. In Soccer World Cup host country Brazil Mercedes-Benz has in excess of 8 000 units in Sao Paulo, and 100% market share of the BRT bus system in Rio de Janeiro."
Zimmermann says that one of the important pillars that determine the success of BRT is the uptime factor. To this end, MBSA will provide all the necessary product support to ensure that the buses are up and running. Support will be provided by Sandown Commercial Vehicles Roodepoort in an offsite workshop based in the Rea Vaya depot in Dobsonville.
"Our commitment does not end with the chassis; we will take responsibility for the entire product for the duration of the contract. We also worked very closely with Marcopolo in the inspection and sign-off of every Body built, ensuring the high standard of safety that have become synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand," affirms Zimmermann.
As part of the value chain offering by MBSA commercial vehicles, FleetBoard professional will offer product familiarisation and driver training to the City. This will enable the drivers to get the most out of our technology, features and benefits.
The demand for more efficient and integrated public transport systems in Johannesburg and other big cities of SA has been on the increase Ansorge elaborates: "One of the challenges in cities with rapidly growing use of private vehicles is carbon emissions. Harmful environmental pollution must be reduced, as well as consumption of energy produced from fossil sources. Reducing the number of motor vehicles in the city centre can reduce emissions, noise and congestion. This can be achieved by implementing an efficient and attractive public transport system like BRT. It also bodes very well for the City of Johannesburg, a 'World Class African City'".
Zimmermann concludes: "We would like to thank the City of Johannesburg, Sandown Motor Holdings and Marcopolo for a journey that began in the beginning of the year, to which the hand-over a great milestone going forward."
