Image: X / @IsaacSileku
Cape Town is ushering in a new era of public transport with the launch of Africa’s first large-scale fleet of electric commuter buses, spearheaded by Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS).
This groundbreaking initiative, which involves the deployment of 20 electric buses as part of a R380 million project, represents a significant leap towards sustainable transport in South Africa.
With aspirations to expand the fleet to 120 electric buses this year, Golden Arrow is also establishing the largest electric bus charging facility in the country.
The transition from traditional diesel buses to electric ones marks a pivotal moment in the Western Cape’s public transport landscape, positioning it as a leader in green mobility and economic growth.
This project follows a thorough testing period, where Golden Arrow conducted trials with two electric buses since 2021, analysing their suitability for local conditions.
GABS CEO Francois Meyer emphasised the historical significance of this moment, stating, ‘This is a full-circle moment for Golden Arrow. In 1896, we were behind the wheel of the first electric tram in South Africa, and now, some 129 years later, we are the first commuter bus company to introduce electric buses into service at scale.
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Collaboration has been essential to the success of this project, as highlighted by Company Engineer Gideon Neethling, who noted that learning from international electric bus operations emphasised the importance of partnerships across various sectors.
‘We have been engaging with a variety of stakeholders and will be looking to establish further partnerships so that this project can benefit the transport industry and economy,’ he said.
Once fully implemented, the 120 electric buses will constitute over 10% of Golden Arrow’s total fleet, servicing diverse routes across the city. Early feedback from passenger forums and the public has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong community support for this sustainable initiative.
Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku praised Golden Arrow’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and commit to sustainable transport.
‘In the public transport sector, the shift to electric vehicles is critical to achieving sustainable mobility for commuters and creating economic opportunities and job creation in various sectors of the province,’ he stated.
Sileku also noted the potential for this transition to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises within the electric mobility space, moving towards a vision of a net-zero emissions and climate-resilient province.
Article originally published by Cape Town ETC.
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