Battery-powered MyCiTi buses benefit passengers, create jobs

THE CITY of Cape Town has awarded the tender for the procurement of battery-powered electric buses and ancillary equipment for the MyCiTi service to BYD SA Company.

“Apart from lowering our carbon emissions, local residents will also benefit from this contract through job opportunities as the buses will be assembled locally and the bus bodies will in part be manufactured locally,” mayor Partricia de Lille said yesterday.

Since its inception in May 2010, the MyCiTi service has improved the quality of life of residents, providing access to affordable and safe public transport.

More than 53million passenger journeys has been recorded on the MyCiTi service to date, with more than 1.7 million passenger journeys for last month.

“As we extend the footprint of the MyCiTi service across the city, we also have the responsibility to lower our carbon emissions and the impact of pollution on the urban environment,” De Lille said.

As such, the city had proceeded with a pilot project to expand the current fleet of diesel buses with 10 electric vehicles.

A tender for the procurement of a fleet of low-floor electric buses was advertised in February and awarded last month.

“The procurement of the electric buses affirms our commitment made at COP21 in Paris to ensure that the City of Cape Town takes decisive action and pursues ambitious climate action projects that are not only beneficial to residents but most importantly, the environment,” she said.

“Our Energy2040 goals include a shift from private to public transport, with increased access to public transport, reduced travel time, and the use of more efficient vehicles with higher occupancy levels.

As a member of the C40 Cities, Cape Town has committed to working with other member cities to take action to address climate change and build low-carbon, resource-efficient cities. – ANA