E-buses! Now there is a new way to get around Joburg
The newly-launched electric buses will run along with Metrobuses and Rea Vaya BRT Phase 1C(a) routes for the next 30 to 60 days.
The City of Johannesburg has introduced an Electric Bus Trial Programme on Metrobus and Rea Vaya BRT Phase 1C(a) routes, marking a new era for public transportation in the city. Transport MEC Kenny Kunene unveiled the initiative, highlighting its role in modernizing public transport, enhancing efficiency, and advancing Johannesburg's Green Transport and Climate Action agenda.
The trial aims to assess electric bus technologies, including battery-electric bus technology, intelligent transport systems, real-time passenger information, driver monitoring, and AI-based safety systems. Its objectives encompass evaluating operational efficiency, energy consumption, Mean Time Between Failures, Coefficient of Friction, fleet availability, life-cycle costing, energy storage, battery maintenance, and passenger experience, including accessibility, comfort, safety, and reduced emissions and noise pollution.
The e-bus trial buses will be deployed on high-demand Metrobus routes in Soweto, Sandton, the Central Business District, and Roodepoort. They will also operate on the Rea Vaya BRT Phase 1C(a) route, connecting Berea, Yeoville, Orange Groove, Cheldondale, Norwood, Balfour Park, Bramley, Wynberg, Alexandra, Marlboro, Athol, Sandton, Sandown, Longmeadow, and Greenstone.
All buses will be seamlessly integrated into Metrobus's Fleet Management System, Control Centre, and Automatic Vehicle Location system for performance verification and full operational integration.
The 30-60 day trial, scheduled between September and October 2026, will be independently verified by the City's Performance Management Unit against approved Technical Information Definitions. Successful completion of the trial could pave the way for continued operation along Metrobus and Rea Vaya BRT routes, emphasizing a strategic intervention for evidence-based fleet recapitalization decisions.
Kunene emphasized the city's commitment to providing a reliable, safe, affordable, and eco-friendly public transport system, promising local job creation and skills transfer.
Luthando Maboza, the Department of Transport's executive director, underscored the trial's significance in implementing Johannesburg's strategic integrated transport plan, ensuring that every investment in public transport delivers measurable value for commuters. He described the initiative as a "living lab on our streets," affirming that electric buses represent the future of the City's eco-mobility.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
