President Attends Launch of Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC)’s First Electric Pilot Buses

The launch was held this afternoon at the SPTC New Port Bus Depot in the presence of Vice President Mr Sebastien Pillay, Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation Ms Veronique Laporte, accompanied by other Cabinet Ministers, Chairperson of the SPTC Board Mr Andy Moncherry, SPTC Chief Executive Officer Mr Jeffy Zialor, and members of the SPTC staff.

The first two electric pilot buses represent another step towards the Government’s commitment to promoting electric vehicles and gradually improving the quality, comfort and sustainability of public transport. They offer a quieter, cleaner operation and are equipped with modern features, including air conditioning, passenger information systems, USB charging facilities, CCTV cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity.

In her remarks ahead of the introduction of the two buses, Minister Laport highlighted that their arrival marks the beginning of a wider project aimed at reducing dependence on imports, lowering transport emissions and building a more efficient and environmentally responsible public transport system for Seychelles.

“This promise also includes the need to ensure that the transformation of SPTC is about improving the everyday lives of our citizens, including the affordability of public transport. The Government has already set out a progressive strategy to reduce the standard fare, with the objective of bringing it down to six rupees by 2028.

“Despite the many benefits, we must recognise that moving to electric buses cannot simply be done by purchasing new buses. We must understand what works in Seychelles’ operating conditions, including steep gradients, narrow roads, trucking challenges and, more importantly, electricity, charging and power requirements,” said Minister Laport.

The two buses form part of a pilot project that will operate on selected routes, providing SPTC with an opportunity to test, learn, listen and make informed decisions on key matters, including the final technical specifications for future electric buses.

Concluding her remarks, Minister Laport noted that the two buses are part of a wider vision for the future of electric public transport in Seychelles, with a long-term objective of introducing around 250 buses over the years and a Government commitment to having the first 100 electric buses in operation by 2028.

The buses were funded under the Seychelles Government’s Development Grant to Public Enterprises, with the project also involving technical and project support from PUC, local and international consultants, the Indian High Commission and Ashok Leyland India.

The ceremony also included the presentation of tokens and certificates to the winners of the EV Bus Wrapping Competition, held specifically for the two new buses. The competition provided an opportunity for creativity to become part of the identity of this new chapter in public transport. The competition was held in two categories: in the under-18 category, the winner was Miss Kayla Geldenhuy, while Mr Steven Gonzalves was awarded the prize in the above-18 category.

At the end of the ceremony, President Dr Patrick Herminie and invited guests had the opportunity to board one of the electric buses and take a brief tour near the SPTC depot. Technicians also provided an overview of the buses’ technical features and operations.

SPTC is calling on commuters to make good use of the facilities and provide feedback, as the two buses are intended to offer an opportunity to learn and improve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.