The City of Cape Town has begun testing electric buses within its MyCiTi fleet as part of a research initiative aimed at assessing the viability of sustainable public transport. The project, led by the Urban Mobility Directorate in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, is funded by the City and supported by a grant from the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative UEMI.
MMC for Urban Mobility Roberto Quintas explained that the study will evaluate how electric buses perform under varying conditions, including terrain, passenger loads, and trip distances, while also monitoring battery life and recharge requirements. Although Golden Arrow Bus Services is already trialling electric buses, the City intends to gather its own data to ensure accurate planning for future expansion.
Quintas emphasised the importance of understanding operational challenges such as the number of trips possible before recharging, the impact of different routes, and the availability of charging infrastructure. The pilot project reflects Cape Town's broader commitment to reducing emissions and modernising its public transport system, aligning with global efforts to transition towards cleaner urban mobility solutions.
