Metrobus Dual-fuel CNG Fleet Nears Completion in Johannesburg

Metrobus, as the municipal-owned provider of public transport for the city of Johannesburg, last

year undertook to convert some of its current diesel buses to Diesel Dual Fuel (DDF) and

procure Euro-5 DDF buses, which are more friendly to the environment in terms of carbon

emissions. Altogether, 150 CNG buses were ordered and delivery is now in its final stages.

The project called for an investment of more than USD 355 million for the buses and the contract for

supply was awarded to Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a Mercedes-Benz South Africa retail

commercial vehicles dealership.

In addition, approx. USD 1.67 million was set aside for the supply and delivery of a Compressed

Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station, with that tender being won by NGV Gas (Pty) Ltd.

Thus far Metrobus has received nearly 130 buses. The balance of order will be completed by end of

August 2016. Of the 150 buses, 100 have been built as fully dual-fuel vehicles, while the rest have

dual-fuel systems retrofitted.

The City of Johannesburg’s Member of Mayoral Committee for Transport Councillor Christine

Walters and Gauteng MEC for Transport Ismail Vadi visited bus manufacturer Busmark in

Randfontein this week to inspect the dual-fuel buses being built for Sandown Motors on behalf of

Metrobus. MMC Walters said through the acquisition the City was not only reducing the emission of

greenhouse gases but it was also creating employment. He said dual-fuel buses and a greener City

are one of Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau’s passions.

This project is a first in South Africa, and the company aims to be the leader by developing a Centre

of Excellence on Natural Gas vehicle conversions.

In the financial year 2014-2015, the company converted 30 buses to dual-fuel operation using

natural gas.

NGS INDIA