SHORE Buses Ltd marked a milestone with the launch of their new locally-built buses at their depot in Wailada, Lami yesterday.
Company owner Jasper Singh said they built three buses so far with chassis that the company imported from China.
Mr Singh said they built the first bus, which has 73 seats and can cater for 102 school children.
“The bus has a rigid design and has an aluminum body which is very strong,” he said.
Mr Singh said they made use of the government concession on bus chassis and invested in their new buses.
Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment Parveen Kumar officiated at the launch of the buses and new equipment the company brought from China.
Mr Kumar said he was aware of the fact that through its refleeting program the company bought 17 new buses over the past three years, but this time they chose to build their own buses from the chassis imported from China.
“In spite of your import valued around $235,000 for a fuel efficient bus, which saves the cost on your daily fuel consumption, you have chosen to further enhance the local bus building industry,” he said.
Mr Kumar said the initiative was a challenge to bus companies as to when they would follow suit and revamp their fleet and operate within the national standards.
“But you have taken it further to invest in another $250,000 for the procurement of a 30ton modern hoist which has the capability to lift buses, a tyre changing and wheel balancing equipment that were brought from China,” he said.
Mr Kumar said it was the shift towards improving public transport services, make them more accessible and safer to all users.
The company also received its certificate for phase 3 of the quality management and analysis system by the minister yesterday.