Gauteng hands over 130 operating licences to stabilise public transport sector
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has issued 130 operating licences to compliant public transport operators as part of efforts to clear backlogs and strengthen regulation across the province.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has handed over 130 operating licences to compliant public transport operators, marking another step in the province’s drive to stabilise and regulate the sector.
The licences were issued during a ceremony held on Thursday at the Koedoespoort Regional Offices in Tshwane.
According to the South African Government News Agency, the handover forms part of an ongoing provincial programme aimed at clearing a longstanding backlog in operating licences and restoring order within public transport.
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Since September last year, the department has issued more than 800 operating licences, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving service delivery for both operators and commuters.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the latest handover reflects steady progress towards building a more efficient and compliant licensing system.
“The licence handover reflects our determination to build a licensing system that is transparent, efficient and fair. Our focus is on bringing services closer to operators and ensuring that they are delivered within clear and reliable time frames,” said Diale-Tlabela.
She emphasised that compliance remains non-negotiable, with operators expected to meet all regulatory requirements.
These include ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, operating safely on public roads, and refraining from transferring or renting out operating licences.
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“We expect operators to respect the rules of the road, provide safe and reliable services, and contribute to a public transport system that the people of Gauteng can trust,” the MEC said.
“This partnership is central to building a stable, modern and accessible transport network.”
The department said it will continue to roll out targeted interventions to eliminate the remaining backlog while strengthening the regulatory framework. These measures aim to ensure a safer, more reliable and efficient public transport environment for all Gauteng residents.
