Page 27 - Energize July 2021

NEWS

WESTERN CAPE BUS COMPANY GOES ELECTRIC TO REDUCE EMISSIONS

he first active electric bus in South electric bus has been rigorous.
Africa has been launched in Cape “For the first few months, we tested the buses in a range of circumstances without
TTown. passengers. The aim was to get to know exactly how these vehicles perform before incorporating
Weekend Argus reports that Transport them into our operations. Testing these vehicles has been a joy for everyone who is part of the
and Public Works MEC Daylin Mitchell, with project. Each time we carry out a new test or reach a new milestone, the level of excitement
Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS), officially increases further,” said Neethling.
launched the bus at the Montana depot. He added there was much to be learnt about the new bus including electricity usage under
Golden Arrow’s renewable energy different conditions, charge time between trips, possible scheduling challenges as a result of
journey started in 2017 with the pilot charge times, maintenance needs, battery degradation and other general operational challenges
installation of two solar plants of 25 kW compared to the currently used internal combustion engine.
each. The results were encouraging and Golden Arrow’s trailblazing transport solutions include the testing of free wi-fi on buses, an
ultimately led to two of its facilities being electronic smartcard fare system and now the first electric bus to operate in active service in
declared carbon neutral in 2020. South Africa.
Given the success of projects to Golden Arrow currently operates a contract for scheduled passenger bus services
date, Golden Arrow decided to take on administered by the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works. The company
its next project, testing an electric bus. operates more than 1000 peak-hour buses transporting 250 000 passengers daily and boasts a
The company partnered with Chinese bus more than 96% on-time rating for first departures.
manufacturer Build Your Dreams (BYD) and Mitchell said: “The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works and Golden
uYilo to test two 100% electric buses for Arrow Bus Services are working together on various technology solutions to improve public
a 12-month period. One bus was tested transport in the province. My department endorses innovation programmes such as this one,
without passengers, while the other was given the challenges experienced by our commuters in the absence of the passenger rail
loaded with sandbags, equivalent to 44 system.”
passengers in weight. Mitchell had an opportunity to ride the bus and said the safety of passengers is guaranteed.
According to GABS, from July 2021 the “The narrative around safety on Golden Arrow buses is very different. After taking a ride in
two electric buses have been incorporated this bus, I am confident passengers will feel safe during their journey.”
into Golden Arrow’s day-to-day operations, GABS chief executive Francios Meyer said: “This is just another example of Golden Arrow’s
carrying passengers between Retreat and commitment to innovation and sustainability. It was an honour to be able to show Minister
Cape Town. Mitchell what the future of passenger bus services in South Africa looks like”
Golden Arrow engineer Gideon To ensure passenger safety, Golden Arrow said they currently spend R12-million per annum
Neethling said the testing phase of the on PPE to ensure passengers and staff adhere to Covid-19 regulations.

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GABS chief executive Francios Meyer and Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Daylin Mitchell at the launch of the first active electric bus in the country.

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