Cape Town Pilots New Electric MyCiTi Buses

Cape Town has officially put electric buses on the road as part of a year-long research project that could shape the future of public transport in the city. For residents who use the MyCiTi system daily, this marks a potentially big step toward quieter, cleaner, and more efficient commutes.

Why the city is testing its own electric fleet

Although local operators like Golden Arrow Bus Services have already started experimenting with electric buses, the City of Cape Town wants first-hand data tailored to its unique routes and conditions.

MMC for Urban Mobility Roberto Quintas says the city’s own research is essential for long-term planning. Cape Town’s geography adds extra complexity compared to many other metros. Long coastal stretches, steep inclines around Table Mountain, heavy winds, and fast-growing peak-hour passenger volumes all influence performance and battery life. The pilot aims to refine what real operations could look like in a city that mixes dense urban hubs with far-flung suburbs.

What the 12 month pilot will look at

Over the next year, the city will test four 12-metre-long electric buses across four initial MyCiTi routes, with the goal of eventually trialling them on as many routes as possible. Researchers will track key factors that determine feasibility, including:

• How far the buses can travel on a single charge

• Battery performance on different terrains

• Load impact when buses operate at full capacity

• How often recharging is needed during peak service

• What type of infrastructure would be required if the city expands the fleet

The project is being run by the Urban Mobility Directorate, working closely with the University of Johannesburg and funded partly through the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative.

A city preparing for the future of public transport

Cape Town has been vocal about wanting a more resilient, climate-friendly transport network, especially as congestion intensifies and operating costs rise. Electric buses are seen as a long-term investment that could reduce emissions and noise pollution across major routes like Table View, Century City, the CBD, and the Atlantic Seaboard.

If the numbers add up, MyCiTi could eventually mirror global cities that have already adopted electric public transport on a large scale. For now, the question is simple: can these buses handle Cape Town’s distances, climate, and topography without compromising reliability?

The next 12 months will reveal whether electric mobility is ready to become a permanent feature of the city’s transport landscape.

{Source:EWN}

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