Golden Arrow now has 77 fully electric busses operating (will have 120 by year-end)

Amy MacIver, standing in for CapeTalk's John Maytham, speaks to Bronwen Dyke-Beyers, spokesperson for Golden Arrow Bus Services.

Listen below: 

Golden Arrow Bus Services is revolutionising Cape Town's public transport with the launch of electric buses, marking South Africa's first large-scale electric bus deployment.

Seventy-seven electric Golden Arrow buses are currently operating, with the company aiming to have 120 on the road by the end of 2025.

The project follows rigorous testing and international observations since 2021, when Golden Arrow began trials with two electric buses to assess their suitability for South African conditions.

"We're all concerned about our carbon emissions, and so a few years ago, Golden Arrow took the bold decision to see if electric buses could work for us. We've now reached a stage where we've got 77 buses on the road and our depot can currently charge 60 buses at once, and by the end of October, we'll be able to charge all 120 at the same time." 

- Bronwen Dyke-Beyers, Spokesperson - Golden Arrow Bus Services

If you're on an electric Golden Arrow bus, you'll find it to be a quiet and comfortable experience with no gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air in Cape Town.

Thus far, Golden Arrow has spent R715 million on electric buses, meaning the company avoids being at the mercy of unpredictable diesel prices.

"We do believe this is something other companies are going to do... we think it's the way of the future."

- Bronwen Dyke-Beyers, Spokesperson - Golden Arrow Bus Services

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