29 new buses commissioned |18 March 2016

 • Commuters urged to stop vandalism

The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) has added 29 new buses to its fleet in its on-going plan to replace old buses and improve commuters’ comfort and safety.  

Five other buses to complete the new batch of 34 are expected to be commissioned next month.

The SPTC is at the same time calling on commuters to help the corporation maintain the standard and quality of the services it offers them by respecting the buses and conduct themselves appropriately when onboard.

While the SPTC plans to introduce 71 new buses to its fleet between 2016 and 2018 in its effort to continue raising the standard of its services to the public, it is imperative that commuters also play their part and use the buses properly.

The SPTC said last year it invested substantially in repairs of seats due to wear and tear as well as increased cases of vandalism.

The newly commissioned 50 and 40-seaters with more or less the same features as the  other buses in the SPTC fleet, are being incorporated mostly in the Mahé-based fleet while a few will be sent to Praslin.

The buses were commissioned during a short ceremony at the SPTC’s New Port depot yesterday morning which was attended by the Indian high commissioner to Seychelles Sanjay Panda, the chairperson of the SPTC board Steve Fanny, management and staff of the SPTC, among other guests.

The buses are from the India-based company Tata and they have cost a little over R22million, money provided through a grant from the Indian government.

The chief executive of SPTC, Geffy Zialor, said the new buses are testimony to the SPTC’s and government’s  commitment towards improving transport service to the public.

He expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian government through High Commissioner Panda for making possible the purchase of the buses.

“With the new buses the SPTC will introduce additional services and improve frequency on some routes,” Mr Zialor said.

He noted that only this week the SPTC has introduced new services at Mandarine Estate, Au Cap as well as Dan Zoranz Barbarons and additional services added on the La Misère and Baie Lazare via Takamaka routes.

Mr Zialor noted that the new buses mean more comfortable working environment for drivers and he availed of the opportunity to call on them to take great care of the buses and to serve our commuters with great pride.

Congratulating the SPTC for its new acquisition, Mr Panda noted that during his short time here he has observed that the Tata buses are the lifeline of the island and the economy.

Adding his voice to that of Mr Zialor, he also appealed to commuters to maintain the high standard of cleanliness and to refrain from vandalising the seats of the buses.

Mr Panda then handed over the keys of the buses to Mr Fanny.

Deacon Louis Agathine blessed the buses before guests went onboard to view their various features.