The official launch of a bus transport initiative known by the eThekwini municipality as People Mover has obtained a total of ten buses from MAN Truck & Bus in a deal worth over R10-mil- lion, reports the vehicle manu-facturer.

“When selecting the buses, we required vehicles that were highly distinguishable, of a world-class standard, midsized and, most importantly, that have the capacity to serve the needs of the disabled,” says Durban’s head of strategic projects Julie-May Ellingson.

“Each bus can accommodate 18 seated, 15 standing and 2 wheelchair passengers,” she adds.

The People Mover transport initiative is set to streamline the city’s public transport system, by linking the city’s prime tourist attraction sites in the uShaka marine world, the Suncoast casino and the inner city.

The Durban People Mover project is the pilot phase of the city’s ultimate inner city circulation system, and will include three main routes.

The northern route will run from the Suncoast casino to the West street interchange, the southern route from the West street interchange to uShaka, and the western route will connect the West street interchange to the inner city.

“The bodywork of the People Mover bus was designed and constructed to international styling and standards in South Africa, incorporating air conditioning, and a low entry for wheelchair access,” says MAN Pinetown bus sales manager Gary Aliphon.

The MAN chassis was imported to comply with international standards and is powered by a Euro 3 emission category, 220-hp rear-mounted engine, coupled to a fully automatic voith transmission, with an integral retarder for effective additional braking.

The standard braking system includes antilock brakes and traction control. The vehicle is fitted with full air suspen- sion for additional driver and passenger comfort, explains Aliphon.

The highest safety standards, complying with all the South African Bureau of Standards relating to safety, including body rollover structural strength, seat strength and anchorage, as well as emergency exit requirements, have all been incorporated.

Each bus in the People Mover fleet is also fitted with closed circuit TV cameras, both inside and outside, as well as at all the People Mover bus stops.
“This will provide an added level of security not only for passengers, but also for the areas in which the People Mover operates,” says Ellingson.

MAN is also providing a tailor-made, full on-site maintenance package to ensure the highest customer satisfaction with regard to vehicle reliability.
This includes tyres, air conditioner, body related components, and all mechanical requirements.

“Not only does the People Mover service build Durban’s economy by ensuring visitors to the city have a hassle-free method of trans- port, but the entire development of the project has been undertaken with the goal of creating economic growth, job creation and skills training in the area,” says Ellingson.

“Durban People Mover will see a total of 100 people being employed. Over 12 small, medium-sized and micro- enterprises have already benefited from the service and this has been a huge step to ensuring Durban is ready for 2010,” she concludes.