MyCiTi to pilot green buses in 2017

Passengers could find themselves travelling in electric-powered buses as soon as June this year. A first in the country, the electric buses are part of a fleet of 10 buses in a pilot project set to create local jobs and reduce Cape Town’s carbon footprint.

The aim of the pilot is to test whether electric-powered buses are a suitable alternative to the current MyCiTi fleet. Cape Town is the first municipality in the country to make use of electricity as an alternative fuel option for buses. Passengers can also expect a quieter ride as electric bus motors are quieter than diesel engines.

The R126-million tender was awarded to BYD SA and includes the provision of buses, ancillary equipment, services and training. One of the conditions is that the buses will be assembled in Blackheath. The contractor will employ local staff and suppliers who will learn new skills as electric buses have never been assembled in Cape Town before.

The bus can travel at least 250 km before the batteries need recharging.