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Mercedes-Benz Buses Hands Over Six Low Entry Buses to Putco, Advancing Universally Accessible Public Transport.

  • Putco takes a significant step towards more inclusive public transport with the introduction of its first six Mercedes-Benz Low Entry buses.
  • The new Mercedes-Benz Low Entry buses are designed to improve universal accessibility and enhance the commuting experience for a wider range of passengers.
  • The handover of the new Mercedes-Benz Low Entry buses underscores the strong partnership between Mercedes-Benz Buses and Putco and their shared commitment to reliable, high-quality public transport.

ππ‘π„π“πŽπ‘πˆπ€, π’πŽπ”π“π‡ π€π…π‘πˆπ‚π€ – Mercedes-Benz Buses marked a significant milestone in their longstanding partnership with Putco with the handover of six Mercedes-Benz Low Entry buses, built on the Mercedes-Benz OH 1826 LE Euro 5 Low Entry Bus Chassis and fitted with the Marcopolo Tourino G7 Low Entry Body. Notably, these vehicles are the first universally accessible buses to be introduced into the Putco fleet, with accessibility considered as a core design principle from the outset. Designed to serve a broader range of passengers, the buses make boarding and alighting easier for the elderly, people living with disabilities, parents travelling with young children, and commuters with limited mobility, enhancing both accessibility and travel comfort.

While accessible public transport depends on a broader ecosystem of infrastructure, facilities and services, the introduction of these low entry buses marks a meaningful first step towards expanding mobility, improving accessibility and fostering greater inclusivity across the sector.

"We believe public transport plays a vital role in connecting people to opportunities," says Deon de Vries, General Manager for Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa. β€œBut this handover is about more than delivering buses, it reaffirms Mercedes-Benz Buses and Putco's shared commitment to delivering safe, dependable and customer-focused transport solutions that support South Africa's public transport network. We commend Putco leadership for taking a proactive approach to enhancing commuter experience through fleet modernisation and for recognising the importance of creating transport services that are designed with a broader range of passengers in mind. We are proud to support Putco’s journey and look forward to building on our partnership and expanding the presence of these accessible buses within their fleet."

Franco Pisapia, Chief Executive Officer of Putco, says about the addition to the Putco fleet: β€œToday is a significant day for Putco. We are here to unveil the next step in our journey towards making public transport more accessible and responsive to the needs of all our passengers. These low-entry buses are the result of a true partnership between an operator, a chassis manufacturer and a body manufacturer. What started as an idea evolved into a design, then a prototype and today that prototype has become the foundation for a new generation of more accessible buses for Putco. We are grateful to our partners, Mercedes-Benz Buses and Marcopolo, for their willingness to work alongside us in turning that vision into reality. This achievement reflects our pride in the service we provide, our passion for moving people and our shared commitment to ensuring that every passenger can travel safely, comfortably and with dignity. Because for Putco, accessibility is not just about buses, it is about connecting people to opportunities and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Mandy Latimore, Disability Inclusion & Universal Access Specialist, said: "The introduction of the new low-entry buses into the Putco fleet is an important step towards greater accessibility in public transport. While universally accessible mobility extends beyond the vehicle itself and includes accessible infrastructure at bus stops, interchanges and destinations, meaningful progress starts with deliberate action. We commend Putco for recognising the diverse needs of commuters, acknowledging equal access as a basic human right and taking this important first step towards creating a more inclusive public transport experience for all."

The six buses will soon enter service on Putco routes. Mercedes-Benz Buses extends its best wishes to Putco and its commuters.

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Media enquiries:
Jacqueline Fourie
Cell: 079 695 7485
e-mail: jacqueline.fourie@daimlertruck.com

Daimler Truck Southern Africa Group of Companies at a glance:
Since the invention of the truck over 125 years ago, Daimler Truck AG has been a pioneer in the commercial vehicle sector and is today one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. Established in South Africa over 60 years ago, Daimler Truck Southern Africa Ltd together with its subsidiaries Daimler Truck Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd provides an optimal experience for our esteemed customers based on a comprehensive products and services portfolio. The Group’s success is based on its leading brands inclusive of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Buses, FUSO Trucks in addition to offering parts and services for Freightliner and Western Star Trucks. Its product range is backed by its market leading value-added services in Fleetboard, TruckStore, TruckTraining, and Financial Services. With a Southern African footprint that includes South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, the company is headquartered in Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa, and all its products are assembled locally in its East London production plant.