Transport in the near future will be electric: Mbalula
“Transport in the near future will be connected, data-driven, shared, on-demand, electric, and highly automated. It is also expected to be more sensitive towards climate change pressures”, said Mbalula.
The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, has commended organisers and participants of the Electric Vehicle Road Trip 2019, for their sense of adventure and commitment to the cause of e-mobility.
Mbalula was speaking at a gala dinner in honour of participants who traversed the length and breadth of four of South Africa’s provinces in electric cars, for a total of 2000km.
The road trip – a first for South Africa – showcased the viability of electric vehicles within the South African context. The intention was to promote e-mobility, identify infrastructure challenges and leave legacy charging stations for future use.
“Transport in the near future will be connected, data-driven, shared, on-demand, electric, and highly automated. It is also expected to be more sensitive towards climate change pressures”, said Mbalula.
ALSO READ: Centurion man arrested for drunk driving after crashing into police station
Emissions from the transport sector in South Africa account for 10,8% of the country’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, 91,2% of which is from the combustion of liquid fossil fuels. In addition to these direct emissions from the combustion of fuels, indirect emissions arising from the production, refining, and transport of transport fuels.
Mbalula committed to significantly reducing transport’s contribution to the national GHG emissions, through the implementation of the Green Transport Strategy (GTS). The strategy addresses current and future transport demands based on sustainable development principles. It also promotes greener mobility and ensures that the transport sector supports the achievement of economic growth targets while providing greater safety to citizens and commuters alike, meeting social needs, and protecting the environment.
“The Department of Transport is aware that the use of new information and communication technology in public transport has the potential to improve the quality of services rendered, attract new customers, increase disposable income for households who opt for public transport instead of private cars, reduce traffic congestion and save the environment”, said Mbalula.
Mbalula added that the department will find ways of overcoming challenges and mitigating socioeconomic effects of disruptive technologies