Golden Arrow’s 10th consecutive RTMS certification

October 18, 2024

Golden arrow bus services has again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence by securing the prestigious rtms certification for the 10^th consecutive year.

This significant milestone underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in road transport. The Road Transport Management System (RTMS) certification was formally presented by Oliver Naidoo, MD of JC Auditors, to Gideon Neethling, company engineer at Golden Arrow, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders from the transport industry. This not only marks a decade of consistent compliance but also highlights Golden Arrow’s role as a leader in South Africa’s road passenger transport sector.

JC Auditors, an RTMS certification body, is a leader in promoting safety, efficiency, and compliance within the transport industry. The RTMS programme promotes road safety, vehicle maintenance, and load management – key components that are crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring the longevity of transport infrastructure.

Golden Arrow’s first horse-drawn tram from 1861.

Commitment to safety

Receiving the RTMS certification is a voluntary process, yet it is increasingly becoming a standard for businesses within the transport industry. Neethling emphasised its importance, stating, “This certification underscores our commitment to safety and reliability, and we believe it enhances the trust passengers place in our service. We focus intensely on our systems, processes, and continuous improvement. There are three critical success pillars for us: our vehicles, our people, and the overall passenger experience.”

The recognition is a testament to the efforts of Golden Arrow’s dedicated team, including Christian Roberts, divisional engineer, and Thandokazi Wowo, junior engineer, who played pivotal roles in the certification process. Wowo’s contributions were particularly noteworthy, as she led the project, exemplifying the company’s commitment to diversity and empowerment within its workforce.

Golden Arrow’s robust training programmes have been a key factor in maintaining its high standards. With over 17,000 training days recorded in the previous year alone, the company ensures that its staff are well-equipped to uphold the principles of RTMS in their daily operations. “RTMS is now an entrenched way of thinking and part of our everyday operations, ensuring that every passenger journey is a safe one,” Roberts noted.

The RTMS framework is designed to promote continuous improvement in road safety and operational efficiency, with a particular focus on driver behaviour. Naidoo highlighted the importance of this aspect, saying, “It is designed with passenger safety at its core. Driver behaviour is critical in this framework, and this is why comprehensive training is key.”

Legacy of excellence

Golden Arrow’s journey began in 1861 with horse-drawn trams, evolving into a modern, sophisticated fleet of over 1,100 buses. The fleet is soon to be expanded with the addition of 120 electric buses, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in public transport.

Since 2018, Golden Arrow has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Frontier Transport Holdings. Over its 160-year history, Golden Arrow has not only played a central role in the daily lives of Capetonians, but has also significantly contributed to the local economy and upheld its responsibilities as a corporate citizen. The company’s forward-thinking approach is evident in its plans to introduce the electric buses into its fleet, a move that aligns with global trends towards more sustainable forms of transport.

Key aspects of RTMS include rigorous vehicle safety and maintenance protocols, effective load management to prevent overloading, driver wellness and training initiatives, and strategies to reduce the environmental impact of transport operations. For Golden Arrow, the RTMS certification is not just an accolade, but a reflection of its ongoing commitment to these principles.

Continuing a legacy

As Golden Arrow Bus Services continues to innovate and expand, its consistent achievement of the RTMS certification serves as a reminder of the company’s enduring commitment to safety, quality, and excellence. The introduction of electric buses and ongoing dedication to staff training ensures that Golden Arrow remains at the forefront of South Africa’s public transport sector, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

In celebrating a decade of RTMS certification, Golden Arrow reaffirms its promise to provide the safest and most reliable transport services to the people of Cape Town, ensuring that every journey is a step towards a brighter, more sustainable future.