eThekwini Municipality plans to roll out electric buses

In a move to align with global sustainability efforts, eThekwini Municipality has announced its plans to introduce electric buses (e-buses) to its public transport system. Many cities worldwide have already adopted e-buses as a means to reduce carbon emissions, with Germany and Spain making significant progress in this regard. Delhi, India, currently leads in the highest number of e-buses in operation globally.

At the recent C40 Cities conference, Mayor Cyril Xaba highlighted the city’s commitment to adopting greener transportation and reducing its carbon footprint.

Feasibility Study and Initial Rollout

According to Mayor Xaba, eThekwini has already commenced a feasibility study for the deployment of e-buses. Over the next 10 to 12 months, the city expects to introduce three e-buses on a trial basis, with an additional 16 buses to be rolled out within the next three years.

Xaba emphasized that the adoption of e-buses is a key intervention in ensuring climate resilience and achieving carbon neutrality in the city’s public transportation system.

Furthermore, the municipality is also working on the implementation and expansion of the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) and is looking into travel demand measures aimed at reducing private car trips by 50% by 2050.

Concerns Over Project Viability

Despite the ambitious plan, many remain skeptical about whether the project will materialize, particularly given the failed Go!Durban project.

The Go!Durban project, which was intended to provide an efficient and integrated public transport system, was due to launch in 2017 but has yet to materialize. The project was supposed to “go live” in October 2023, yet ongoing delays have left the public frustrated.

Criticism Over Go!Durban Delays

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been vocal about its concerns over eThekwini’s public transport failures. According to DA councillor Zamani Khuzwayo, the Go!Durban project has already cost taxpayers over R8 billion, yet it has failed to meet fundamental milestones.

A major concern is that the city has yet to acquire the buses required for the project, which was a critical component of the initial launch.

Additionally, the project has been plagued by disputes with the taxi industry, ongoing vandalism at stations, and poor financial management.

ActionSA Criticizes City’s Wasteful Expenditure

Political party ActionSA has also slammed eThekwini Municipality, accusing it of wasteful expenditure.

According to ActionSA’s provincial chairperson, Zwakele Mncwango, the city is wasting millions on “guarding white elephant structures” instead of ensuring proper implementation of the project.

These concerns raise serious questions about the feasibility of the e-bus rollout, particularly given the municipality’s track record of mismanaged projects.

Feasibility Study Yet to Begin

While Mayor Xaba has promised that the city will have three e-buses within a year, municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana has contradicted this, stating that the city has not yet undertaken a feasibility study.

The study, according to Sisilana, will assess:

• The cost of procuring the buses
• The charging infrastructure required
• Whether any existing infrastructure can be used
• Overall financial feasibility before public funds are committed

Sisilana confirmed that no e-buses will be rolled out until the business case is approved by the council.

Comparison to Go!Durban and Future Updates

When asked whether the e-bus project could turn into another Go!Durban failure, Sisilana remained cautious, stating that the city would provide updates in the next two months. She assured the public that the municipality would address any misconceptions about the project.

However, she declined to comment directly on the Go!Durban project, citing ongoing consultations.

Partnership with SANEDI

Sisilana revealed that the municipality is in the final stages of signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).

SANEDI will act as the implementing agent for the Electric Bus project, and once the agreement is signed, the feasibility study will commence.

Conclusion

While eThekwini’s plan to introduce e-buses is a step in the right direction towards sustainable transport, many remain skeptical due to the city’s history of failed projects, particularly Go!Durban.

The success of the e-bus initiative will depend on the completion of the feasibility study, securing adequate funding, and ensuring transparent project execution.

For now, residents await further updates within two months, hoping that this project does not become another costly failure at taxpayers’ expense.