Meeting with GABS executives to discuss public transport challenges

Media Release by Ricardo Mackenzie,  Western Cape Minister of Mobility

Yesterday, I was hosted by Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) for a meet and greet with the CEO, Mr Francois Meyer, and his Executive team at the GABS Central Engineering Complex in Epping. Following a tour of this facility, we travelled by electric bus to the Arrowgate depot.

My first priority as Minister of Mobility is engaging key role players to understand the challenges and opportunities in the public transport space. We must work together to resolve the critical issues and enable people to get to work and school safely with affordable and reliable mobility options.

Since my swearing in last week, I have spent time with senior officials in my Department; minibus taxi industry representatives (SANTACO provincial leadership); City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Roberto Quintas; members of the Land Transport Advisory Board; and the Active Mobility Forum.

The services offered by GABS to commuters in the province include more than 1000 buses operating predominantly in the Cape Town Metropolitan Area and carrying 235 000 passengers daily.

I am encouraged to hear about the plans GABS have to transition these operations to a fully electric fleet, which supports the province’s vision to grow our Green Economy. The trip we took on one of these electric buses was an exciting glimpse into the future for sustainable mobility in the Western Cape.

Media Queries:

Rebecca Campbell Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie Cell: 076 783 2583 Email: Rebecca.Campbell@westerncape.gov.za