E-hailing services focus of digital licensing system

The Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi joined by MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and MMC for Roads, Transport Clr Tlangi Magale and senior officials in the department officially launched the Gauteng Public Transport Regulatory Information System (GPTRIS) in Tshwane on October 6.

The new digital platform aims to transform and fast-track the receipting, processing, and issuing of public transport operating licences in the province.

The launch places a special focus on e-hailing services, as the department continues to strengthen the regulation of an evolving public transport environment, enhance compliance and improve access to operating licence services.

Speaking at the launch, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said, “GPTRIS represents a significant step forward in how the Department regulates public transport in Gauteng.

“We are using technology to simplify the operating licence process, reduce unnecessary administrative delays and make services more accessible to operators,” explained the MEC.

GPTRIS is a digitally enhanced system aimed at improving access and regulatory compliance, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving transparency and governance.

It also addresses longstanding challenges in the operating licence value chain, including delays associated with information technology infrastructure and administrative processes.

The system is designed to fast-track the receipt and processing of operating licence applications, as well as the issuing of operating licences.

“Our objective is to build a licensing system that is faster, more transparent and responsive, while ensuring that every application continues to be assessed against the applicable legislative and regulatory requirements,” added MEC Diale-Tlabela.

The platform introduces streamlined application workflows, standardised compliance checks, process automation, electronic filing, integrated digital payments and real-time application tracking.

“GPTRIS is aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance by standardising compliance checks and supporting adherence to legislative prescripts, including the 60-day turnaround time for submitted operating licence applications and the processing of over-the-counter applications,” noted the MEC.

Once fully implemented, GPTRIS will provide self-service functionality that enables applicants to submit applications and track progress from any location. This functionality will greatly help eliminate long queues.

It will also provide an integrated payment facility for secure, immediate digital payment options; improve process automation and streamline workflows to reduce processing times (improved turnaround times) and the administrative burden associated with paper-based processes.

Transparency and governance will be strengthened through real-time application tracking and improved management of licensing information. Purification of records, including route information, will contribute towards improved data accuracy and transparency.

For the e-hailing sector, the launch represents an important step forward in strengthening the interface between operators and the provincial regulatory system, whilst enhancing compliance and regulatory oversight.

This follows the official recognition of e-hailing services as legal public transport under the National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act and Regulations in 2025.

The launch is part of the department’s broader digital transformation agenda to leverage technology to address administrative inefficiencies, improve client experience, and strengthen the management of operating licence applications.

It is also a testament to the department’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, transparent and accessible public transport regulatory environment.

The department recognises that efficient operating licence administration is an important component of a well-regulated public transport system.