The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport stated that its MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, established the Provincial Public Transport Crisis Committee, which, according to the department, has made significant progress in addressing the long-standing operating licence backlog since its formation this January.

The department stated that the committee, chaired by Diale-Tlabela, was created to work with the minibus taxi industry, represented by the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance and the South African National Taxi Council Gauteng, alongside the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE), to find sustainable solutions to the backlog.

The department stated that from September to date, 354 operating licences were issued, 5 049 applications approved, and 2 247 sent for adjudication.

“This process has taken time, but it has also fostered a shared understanding that all operators exist for the same purpose, face similar challenges and must work together for the greater good of the public transport system,” said Diale-Tlabela.

The department added that the MEC noted that the inclusive approach had demonstrated the power of participation and collective problem-solving, resulting in renewed co-operation among transport stakeholders and accelerated progress by the GPRE in processing applications.

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Diale-Tlabela also highlighted the importance of verifying every application and cleaning up the existing public transport database. This process has helped identify the root causes of the backlog while minimising disputes and potential conflicts within the sector.

She said that the committee, which brings together all transport operators, law enforcement agencies, municipal representatives and departmental officials, is making remarkable progress in verifying what constitutes old and current backlogs across all modes.

“The new provincial licensing system we are finalising will purify public transport data by removing duplications, fraudulent entries and outdated records.

“Once completed, operating licences, routes and operators will be recorded accurately, transparently, and digitally, enabling better law enforcement on high-risk routes and reducing operator disputes,” said the MEC.

The department said the most notable outcome of the committee’s work was successfully reducing tensions among operators by providing a regular, structured platform for dialogue, collaboration and shared understanding.

“As part of its broader reform agenda, the committee has also advocated for the finalisation of the amended Land Transport legislation and the new e-hailing regulations, promulgated by Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy on September 12,” said the department.

The department added that the MEC is spearheading the development of provincial regulations to implement these changes effectively.

Diale-Tlabela concluded by saying that the department is confident that the new, technology-driven operating licensing system would be a game-changer for Gauteng’s public transport sector, streamlining applications, strengthening data integrity and improving service delivery for all.