Golden Arrow CEO Francois Meyer and Western Cape MEC of Mobility Darryl Jacobs at the launch of the first 20 electric buses, marking a major step toward sustainable public transport in Cape Town.
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Golden Arrow Bus Services revolutionises Cape Town's public transport with the launch of 20 electric buses, marking South Africa's first large-scale electric bus deployment in a R380 million initiative.
The company plans to expand to 120 electric buses this year, supported by the largest electric bus charging facility in the country.
This historic shift from traditional diesel buses marks a significant advancement in sustainable public transport for South Africa, creating new opportunities for green mobility and economic growth in the Western Cape.
The project follows rigorous testing and international observations since 2021 when Golden Arrow began trials with two electric buses to assess their suitability for South African conditions.
"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," said Golden Arrow Bus Services chief executive officer Francois Meyer.
Golden Arrow has also installed 30 state-of-the-art charging units, each with two dispensers, making it the largest electric bus charging facility in South Africa. Plans are already in place to expand the system to 60 chargers with 120 dispensers in the second half of 2025.
Meyer emphasised that this rollout is not just a win for the company but for the entire transport industry and economy.
"Innovation, backed by data and testing, is key to transforming the South African economy. This is an opportunity for businesses across the supply chain to diversify their offerings, embrace sustainable transport solutions, and create jobs," he added.
Golden Arrow Bus Services company engineer, Gideon Neethling, highlighted the importance of collaboration in making this project a success.
"As part of planning for this project, we visited a number of international electric bus operations, and the golden thread behind their successes was partnerships with business, government, and civil society. 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.
The 120 electric buses will make up more than 10% of Golden Arrow’s total fleet, servicing various routes across Cape Town.
According to the company, initial feedback from passenger forums and the public has been overwhelmingly positive.
Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, praised Golden Arrow for leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting 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.
"These vehicles also create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in the electric mobility sector and take us closer to achieving our long-term vision to be a net-zero emissions, climate-resilient, and job-creating province."
As Cape Town moves toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly transport system, Golden Arrow’s investment in electric buses represents a significant step in shaping the future of public transport in South Africa.
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