The City of Johannesburg’s Metrobus launched a new fleet of buses on October 31, 2025, which include modern amenities like Wi-Fi and a new automated fare collection system. These buses also feature enhanced safety measures, such as alcohol detectors for drivers and other security features to improve the commuter experience.
New fleet and technology
- New Generation: The new generation of urban mobility vehicles was officially unveiled on October 31, 2025, at the Metrobus Centre of Excellence in Randburg.
- Intelligent Transport System: The new system includes:
- An automated fare collection system that allows passengers to pay with smart cards or phones, speeding up boarding.
- Eye-On-The-Bus real-time monitoring for improved operational efficiency and reliability.
- Wi-Fi for passengers to stay connected.
- Safety Features:
- Alcohol detectors for drivers are installed, requiring them to pass a test before starting the bus.
- The automated system is expected to help reduce crime and hold passengers and drivers more accountable.
- Commuter Amenities:
- The buses have comfortable seating and new interior and exterior lighting.
- A stop button allows passengers to signal the driver when they want to get off.
- Accessibility: Existing features for people with disabilities, such as ramps and dedicated wheelchair spaces, are also included in the new fleet.
Implementation and future plans
- Phased Rollout: The 34 new buses will be released in batches.
- Fuel Efficiency: Existing and new buses will eventually run on a mixture of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and biogas, along with diesel.
- Cashless System: The new system is part of Metrobus’s move to a cashless environment, which requires passengers to use either a bus tag or a mobile payment method instead of cash.
