The Myciti bus system is going green by bringing in 10 new electric buses onto its routes. The new green fleet will have reduced carbon emissions.
The Myciti bus system is rapidly growing, so it’s only fitting that they would be the first transport company in South Africa to launch a green fleet. The transport system put out a tender for R126 million which was awarded to BYD SA.
“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 tender will include 10 low-floor eco-friendly buses to start with, then in the future it promises to grow. BYD is a Chinese company 8% of which is owned by Warren Buffett from Berkshire Hathaway, which has already supplied 51 eco-friendly single-decker buses to London.
“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 buses are being brought in to help push down Cape Town’s carbon footprint. The first role out of the buses is set to be June 2017. The buses will be able to travel for 250km before needing to be recharged. The buses are set to be assembled in Blackheath South Africa, thus creating jobs locally.
“This forward-thinking, eco-friendly project will not only help us reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly, the buses will also mean lower noise pollution and heat, help our city to earn carbon credits, and even ensure a smoother ride for both passengers and drivers.”
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