The City and the N2 Company are busy getting the fleet ready for the N2 Express bus service that will resume operations later this month. Preparations for D-day include inspecting and servicing the buses, and preparing the fleet for roadworthy testing and licensing.

The N2 Company will manage and maintain the City-owned buses that will operate the N2 Express service between Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha and the MyCiTi Civic Centre station in the Cape Town central business district.

The fleet consists of 34 buses, a combination of 12-metre low-floor buses and 18-metre low-floor buses, that will travel to the Civic Centre station via the N2 freeway.

‘Yesterday I went to the depot in Epping where engineering staff are busy servicing the fleet and preparing the buses for operations. I wanted to see for myself what the inspections entail, and I must say I was impressed by how thorough the process is, and the care taken to ensure that everything is tiptop,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

Every bus is inspected for mechanical and electrical faults, as is the exterior bodywork and interior. This is to ensure the buses are safe, reliable and adhere to all legal requirements.

The mechanics are now busy preparing assessment reports of each bus to determine the condition of the engine, gearbox and differential of every bus. They are taking oil samples of major components for testing, as well as inspecting v-belts and replacing these if required, inspecting the front and rear axles, brakes, and so forth, conducting diagnostic tests, inspecting the cooling systems, and addressing all other safety components and items that form part of the roadworthy certificate conditions.

‘They are also inspecting the tyres, batteries, doors, ramps, communication devices, bells, seats, and the on-board validators where the passengers tap in and out, as well as the cameras. Thereafter, the buses will be deep cleaned and fumigated, and washed, and then taken for the roadworthy testing and licensing,’ said Councillor Quintas.

More than 6 000 commuters from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha will benefit from the N2 Express service once the buses are back on the road.

‘I am happy to say that all is on track and that everybody is pulling their weight to get the job done. I will make a public announcement once we know for certain the exact date on which the N2 Express service will start operating,’ said Councillor Quintas.