In efforts to clean up the public transport sector and protect everyday commuters, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has officially handed over nearly 300 operating licenses to local transport operators.
297 minibus taxi and scholar transport operators received their legal papers at the handover, which took place on Tuesday, at the Derek Masoek Regional Offices in Johannesburg. The department said by getting unregistered drivers properly licensed, they want to put an end to unsafe, unregulated transport and give passengers peace of mind.
“The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has intensified efforts to strengthen regulation and compliance within the public transport sector through the handover of 297 operating licences to compliant minibus taxi and scholar transport operators,” said spokesperson for the department, Melitah Madiba.
For years, Gauteng’s public transport sector has faced challenges with regulation and safety. Madiba said this new initiative is part of a bigger plan to modernise the system and force operators to meet strict legal and safety standards. “This initiative forms part of the department’s broader strategy to modernise and strengthen Gauteng’s public transport system by ensuring operators comply with legal, safety and operational requirements,” she said.
The department hopes that by bringing more operators into the official system, it will significantly cut down on road accidents and improve overall service. “By formalising transport operations, the department aims to enhance road safety, improve regulatory compliance, and provide commuters with safer and more reliable transport,” Madiba said.
Furthermore, the government emphasised that this is about protecting the public, stating that, “The handover demonstrates government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable road users and ensuring that public transport services operate within a safe, regulated, and accountable framework.”
Moreover, the GDRT stated its long-term dedication to fixing the industry’s image.
“The department remains committed to restoring order within the public transport sector, improving service standards, and fostering a culture of compliance among operators,” Madiba said.
The department further urged all transport drivers to step up and keep their side of the bargain and said with the new licenses in hand, the pressure is now on the operators to keep their vehicles safe and respect the law. “Public transport operators are encouraged to uphold compliance, prioritise passenger safety, and contribute towards building a system that is reliable, efficient, and trusted by the people of Gauteng,” she said.
The GDRT has promised that it will keep working hard to clear the backlog of old license applications, making the process faster and smoother for honest operators in the future. “As part of its ongoing efforts to create a safer, integrated and dependable transport environment, the department will continue implementing targeted measures to clear outstanding applications, strengthen regulatory oversight, and improve the efficiency of the operating licence application process.”
