The City of Johannesburg has launched Metrobus’s new Intelligent Transport System, which includes an automated fare collection system.
Said to be the first of its kind in Africa, the state-of-the-art system also comprises Eye-On-The-Bus real-time monitoring of buses and Wi-Fi for passengers.
“The platforms are intended to modernise urban mobility and improve the ease and efficiency of travel within the City of Johannesburg,” said Metrobus acting MD Luyanda Gidini.
According to the acting chairperson of the Metrobus board, Lemarco Mitchell, the new system has a lot of benefits for the city and commuters.
Mitchell said the Eye-On-The-Bus is a game-changer in optimising operations and ensuring the reliability of Metrobus services. It allows Metrobus to track and locate buses, monitor fuel consumption and schedule maintenance efficiently.
“These capabilities will result in an improved and enhanced safety for passengers. By harnessing the power of technology we are taking a significant step in making the system more efficient and dependable,” said Mitchell.
He said in an increasingly connected world, the internet has also become a necessity, which is why Wi-Fi was introduced.
The automated fare collecting system will result in a much easier travelling process for the drivers and the commuter, said Mitchell.
The new system will enable commuters to tap their smart cards or scan payment with their phones to pay for the fares. This not only speeds up the boarding process but also reduces the risk of money loss for passengers and Metrobus.
The new system boasts a fleet management and passenger information system that will contribute to a reduction in accidents, said Mitchell.
Transport MMC Kenny Kunene said he was happy Metrobus was taking a giant leap towards a safe, efficient and technologically enabled eco-mobility.
“When I first joined the city in the transport portfolio, there were requests to shut down the operations of Metrobus. However, I gave myself a challenge that we have to bring Metrobus back, we have to make sure that it survives,” he said.
Kunene said with the launch of the system, a lot of crime will be eradicated and revenue will hopefully increase because drivers and passengers will now be held to account for trips taken and fares paid.
