Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) has officially embarked on a transformative journey in public transport with the introduction of its first fleet of electric buses in Cape Town. This major milestone comes after two years of rigorous testing and international benchmarking, leading to the delivery of the first 20 electric buses. A further 100 units are set to hit the roads by 2025, significantly enhancing the city’s commuter bus landscape.
The launch of these electric buses is not just a step forward for Golden Arrow but also represents a pivotal moment for the South African commuter bus industry. According to Chief Executive Officer François Meyer, “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.”
As part of this initiative, GABS has installed 30 charging units—the largest facility of its kind in South Africa—each featuring two dispensers. Plans are already in place to expand this to 60 charging units with a total of 120 dispensers in the latter half of 2025. Meyer stated, “Innovation, backed by data and testing, is key to transforming the South African economy. This is an opportunity for businesses to embrace sustainable transport solutions, diversify their offerings, and create jobs.”
Golden Arrow’s journey into electric mobility has revealed the critical importance of partnerships. Company Engineer Gideon Neethling noted, “The golden thread behind the successes of international electric bus operations is partnerships with business, government and civil society. We have been engaging with a variety of stakeholders and are keen on establishing further collaborations that can benefit the transport industry and the economy.”
With the 120 electric buses representing over 10% of Golden Arrow’s total fleet, the response from passengers has been overwhelmingly positive. Reports indicate strong support from the Company’s passenger forums, who have given the new buses a resounding thumbs up.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, commended the initiative, stating, “As a cornerstone of Cape Town's public transport system, Golden Arrow is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This shift to electric vehicles is critical for achieving sustainable mobility, creating economic opportunities, and fostering job creation across various sectors of the province.”
The introduction of the electric fleet is anticipated to revolutionise mobility in Cape Town and serves as a model for emerging sustainable transport strategies across the nation. It is expected to unlock new avenues for entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises in the electric mobility sector, bolstering the local economy while contributing to the province's commitment to a net-zero emissions future.