GABS goes green
GABS goes green
As South Africa marks Transport Month, NELLY MKHABELA highlights the strides that one Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) member is making to transform public transport into a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive sector.
Bus operators across the country are embracing innovation โ investing in technologies that reduce emissions, improve passenger experiences, and create sustainable jobs.
SABOA strongly believes that a transition to low-carbon mobility and greater energy efficiency is within reach. We are actively working to unlock the resources, partnerships, and policy support that will empower our members to adopt cleaner technologies, reduce emissions, and deliver reliable, sustainable transport services to communities across South Africa.
One shining example of this progress is Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS). The companyโs pioneering electric bus rollout illustrates how long-standing operators can lead the shift to climate-resilient, technology-enabled mobility.
Driving sustainable innovation
GABS is setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly public transport in South Africa with its ambitious rollout of electric buses. This forward-thinking initiative is not only transforming Cape Townโs commuting experience, but also positioning the company as a leader in green mobility across the continent.
The company is deploying electric buses at scale to reduce emissions, enhance rider comfort, and modernise its fleet. The programme began in 2021 with a pilot phase in which two electric buses were tested under local operating conditions to evaluate performance and efficiency. Following the trial’s success, GABS ordered 120 electric buses, all scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025. These buses represent more than 10% of Golden Arrowโs total fleet and will serve a wide range of routes across Cape Town.
The environmental benefits are significant. Switching from diesel to electric is expected to reduce energy consumption by between 60 and 70%, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The buses are powered using a combination of solar energy and off-peak electricity, supported by the countryโs largest electric bus charging hub. This facility is set to expand to 60 chargers with 120 dispensers by late 2025.
Charging when itโs cheap
A 1.2-MWh battery plays a strategic role in energy management at the facility. While it is not used to charge buses, it serves two key functions. First, it provides the necessary grid reference for the installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system to continue generating electricity during potential loadshedding events. Second, it helps reduce operational costs by being charged during off-peak tariff periods โ when electricity is cheaper โ and discharged during peak tariff times (7am to 9am and 5pm to 10pm), when electricity is most expensive. This smart usage ensures both energy resilience and financial efficiency.
In parallel to this smart energy usage initiative, Golden Arrow is also expanding its renewable energy footprint by installing solar panels across its 22-hectare premises. This move towards renewables is designed to further reduce the company’s dependence on fossil fuels and support the clean energy transition.
According to company engineer Gideon Neethling, the project has provided the company and its people with incredible new insights and a broader local skills base. โAs the first bus operator to embark on a project with such complexity and scale, we have now created a solid skills base for reticulation, charging units, solar electricity generation, and charging management, paving the way for job creation and creating confidence in the viability of electrification,โ he says.
A return to roots
โThis marks a powerful return to our roots. In 1896, Golden Arrow introduced South Africaโs first electric tram and now, more than a century later, weโre proud to be the first to roll out electric buses at scale,โ says chief executive officer Francois Meyer as he reflects on the companyโs historic shift. โThis initiative reflects our belief in innovation driven by data and rigorous testing. Itโs a proud moment for our company and for South Africa.โ
GABSโs evolution is a powerful example of how long-standing transport providers can lead the way in building climate-resilient, tech-enabled mobility systems. Through strategic innovation, strong partnerships, and a deep commitment to sustainability, the company is not only reshaping Cape Townโs public transport, but also inspiring broader change across South Africaโs mobility sector.
Notable numbers
- Deployment of 120 electric buses by the end of 2025
- 2,000,000km worth of data available by the end of 2025
- Installation of 30 charging stations, with plans to double this to 60
- Over 10% of the fleet converted to electric
- An anticipated 60 to 70% reduction in energy expenditure
- A significant reduction in NOx gas emissions
- 50% lower maintenance and spare part costs due to simplified vehicle mechanics
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