More efficient, sustainable public transport in SA depends on improved government training and intelligent, integrated systems, says Carel Snyman, energy specialist and director of consultancy BSE Warehouse.
Snyman argues that moving commuters more efficiently through intelligent transport systems can benefit both the environment and productivity. This involves looking at the best way to travel at different times of day, using various modes of transport powered via a range of energy sources.
“You have to consider how efficient a means of transport is in terms of energy, the greenhouse gases and pollution it produces, as well as how much it's going to cost the cost country in terms foreign exchange, because we're dependent on crude oil imports,“ he states.
To highlight some of the alternative energy and transport solutions available, the South African National Energy Research Institute (Saneri) introduced a Green Transport Demonstration Project last year, to coincide with the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.
“The purpose is to showcase clean energy and green transport innovations in order to confirm SA's seriousness in promoting environmentally friendly technologies,” explains Snyman, who is a consultant on the project. “It will also, to some extent, offset the CO2 that will be emitted through travel associated with the event,” he adds.
vehicles and refuelling stations based on alternative fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, biofuels, electricity (via batteries), fuel cells and hydrogen.
The programme will also promote practical skills development in clean transport technologies, and create awareness among the public, entrepreneurs and decision-makers about the safety, performance and low emissions of clean transport alternatives, adds Snyman.
On show
To further this aim, a Green Transport Centre has been established to exhibit green transport technologies and some of the electric vehicles (EVs) developed during Eskom's former EV programme. Snyman adds Saneri is in discussions with Optimal Energy, creator of SA's first commercial electric car the Joule, to exhibit the passenger car at the centre.
The facility, situated in Midrand, will also show off various sources of alternative energy. “The centre aims to educate the public and illustrate that these things are practical and doable,” notes Snyman.
According to Saneri, beyond 2010, the centre will be used to demonstrate electric and hybrid vehicles to the public, as well as for experts to test and evaluate EV and related technologies.
The centre will also facilitate ongoing training and education of the public and government officials. “People need to recognise and understand the functioning and benefits of these vehicles and technologies, and the impacts they have for the country,” says Snyman.
“We have to change with technology; government officials need to learn about and understand these tools, and use them in the right places.”
Get moving
The Department of Transport has, with the input of industry, developed the 2010 Transport Action Plan, which aims to improve and promote the use of public transport, integrate existing services, and accelerate government's sustainable development policies.
According to a government statement, it will use the World Cup to spur major changes in SA's transport system, through investments in road infrastructure, the Bus Rapid Transit programme, inner-city mobility, and intelligent transport systems. The latter involves the use of technology to manage congestion, incident response and travel demand.
Snyman believes future transport modes will feature a strong ICT component. “So in an electric car, for example, an onboard computer would constantly let the driver know how much energy is being used, how many kilometres they have left before needing to refuel, as well as tracking the car to help monitor the flow of EVs.”
He notes that all new forms of vehicle technology are expensive, and that incentives from government are needed to bring electric vehicles into the country.
”Government will have to subsidise green vehicles, as they require certain components, motors, controllers, and batteries which are not found in SA.” Snyman adds that government subsidies for these transport solutions should be for everyone, not just one company, and should continue until the market is strong enough and there is enough interest.
“I think this is likely to happen because South Africans are very innovative. We need to do something, but government needs to enable us to do something.”
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