As outlined in the Green Economy Strategy Framework, transportation is the key economic sector in the province that enables all other sectors. It is also a significant job creator, making up 10% of the Western Cape’s GDP. Globally, the transport sector is undergoing considerable change to reduce carbon emissions and improve economic efficiency. Smart mobility is seen by the Strategy Framework as key to growing investment, job and enterprise opportunities across the province. Some of our 110% Green Flagships are doing just that.
Travel SMART, City of Cape Town
The aim of the Travel SMART Programme is to encourage and support a shift in travel behaviour towards more sustainable travel options, within the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government as well as other large organisations in the Cape Town CBD. The pilot phase of Travel SMART focused largely on developing partnerships with key stakeholders and raising awareness with regards to sustainable options available amongst their employees. The City worked in close collaboration with participating organisations to implement theme specific campaigns. Key focus areas included: Mobility (Non-motorised Transport); Public Transport; SMART Driving and Lift Clubs. All material developed is available for download on: www.capetown.gov.za/travelsmart
The City of Cape Town has been focusing on three key programmes
- SMART Driver Training Programme: train City fleet drivers to drive more efficiently. SMART driving is a way of driving a vehicle that reduces fuel consumption and costs (fuel and running costs); reduces the negative impacts of vehicle emissions on the environment; and increases safety.
- Staff Bike Share Project: launched in 2013 allowing City officials located at the Civic Centre and 44 Wale Street offices have free access via a booking system to shared bicycles for work purposes.
- Behavioural Change Framework: currently in development, the Framework will highlight the relative importance and potential contributions of the different behavioural change interventions and enable the selection of appropriate interventions and targeted awareness campaigns that will result in more meaningful impact.
FindaLift
FindaLift is South Africa’s first local provider of specialised journey-matching network solutions and services. For 110% Green, they committed to help individuals and business share 200 000km, saving approx 40 tonnes of CO2 and approx R240 000 for members on fuel and wear & tear by encouraging and enabling the sharing of journeys. So far they have done incredibly well reaching 120 000 shared kilometres, saving 24 tonnes of CO2 and R130 000 for their 4000 Western Cape members. The University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch as well as the Black River Park have signed on as defined clients.
In 2013 FindaLift initiated and successfully implemented South Africa’s first Carpool Week as part of National Transport Month. Carpool Week encourages fewer cars on the road which not only reduces pollution and saves fuel but creates a culture of sharing and social cohesion. The Second Carpool Week will run from 6-10 October and more details can be found at www.carpoolweek.co.za
MellowCabs
Mellowcabs manufactures, and operates new electric mini-cabs that provide an on-demand, flexible and affordable taxi/transport service in cities. These services can be provided through their mobile app, call-centre or website. The Mellowcabs are aimed at providing affordable, efficient, and emission free transport in cities.
For 110% Green Mellowcabs has committed to rolling out 30 vehicles in the Western Cape and employ a ratio of 60% youths and 15% women as drivers and technicians. They will assist these employees to obtain a driver’s license and pdp, send them to training in communication, ethics and service delivery by a certified institution. Mellowcabs will also ensure that 30% of drivers receive full tour guide training. With the redesign of their vehicles, allowing for 100% local manufacture out of recycled materials, they are well on their way to meeting their commitment.
These are just some examples of innovative smart mobility projects underway in the province. To find out more about the Western Cape’s Smart Mobility priorities and examples of other projects being implemented click here.