By Nkhensane Hlangwane
20/11/2015
The first bus to be propelled by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the Sub-Saharan Africa will be unveiled in the Capital City on Tuesday, 24 November.
This launch will be led by the executive mayor of Tshwane, Kgosientso Ramokgopa alongside the roads and transport MEC, Ismail Vadi at Molefe Makinta Bus Station (Church Square), Cnr Pretorius and Helen Joseph Street from 07:30am.
CNG is a natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless and non-corrosive. And this 12m rigid Mercedes-Benz chassis CNG bus prototype will form part of the A Re Yeng bus fleet.
The CNG launch runs parallel with the launch of Tshwane Green Economy Researcher Network which is taking place at The University of South Africa led by Subesh Pillay, Member of Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Planning.
This two launches assures that the City is staying true to its Tshwane vision 2055 commitment for sustainability initiatives and a cleaner environment. The City has procured forty CNG busses as it transitions towards becoming a green capital.
The milestone is set to provide sustainable mobility and connectivity through an enabling infrastructure and access to greener transportation options in Tshwane. Other that its green elements, the CNG propelled bus will cost the City 40% less to operate in comparison to operating a diesel bus.
Executive Head of Public Affairs, Media Relations and Spokesperson for the City, Mr Blessing Manale, said after this two launches The Executive Mayor, as a champion of the sustainabilty agenda in the city will be preparing for the attendance of the COP21 conference in Paris in December as part of the delegates. “The Mayor will provide a local perspective on the sustainability needs and solutions facing South Africa and discuss the City of Tshwane’s Vision 2055 to become a low carbon, resource efficient and climate resilient city,” he said.