Botswana Pilots Electric Buses As Rising Fuel Costs Spur Transport Reforms.

Botswana has launched a pilot programme involving 10 electric buses for public transport as part of efforts to modernise urban mobility amid rising fuel prices, the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has reported.

The pilot project aims to improve public transport services and promote electric mobility in Gaborone and surrounding areas.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Keoagile Atamelang told NBC that the 10 electric buses form part of the government’s broader efforts to improve public transport, reduce environmental pollution and accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy solutions.

Atamelang said the initiative was intended to introduce a more coordinated, reliable and inclusive public transport system, with existing transport operators expected to participate as stakeholders.

“Rising costs are rampant all over the world. This is due to the cost of crude oil. And also, we have a lot of unemployment relative to the transport sector. It is difficult for those who are unemployed to actually penetrate this market. We also have a dilapidated fleet. We also have low standards. Those are the challenges, as they are right now. We are trying to digitise the payment system,” he said.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address earlier this week, President Duma Boko said the programme would use innovation and strategic partnerships to improve urban mobility and enhance public transport services for communities.