Roads department moves to eliminate public transport licensing backlog
A province-wide push is underway to clear Gauteng’s crippling operating licence backlog, with targeted campaigns, tighter data controls, and a forthcoming digital system. They are promising faster approvals and a fairer, more transparent process for public transport operators.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) is making strides towards tackling the long-standing operating licence backlog in the province, with new systems, sector-wide collaboration, and a targeted campaign set to fast-track the process.
To tackle the delays that have plagued operators for years, the GDRT, in partnership with public transport stakeholders, established the Public Transport Crisis Committee in January.
Chaired by MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the committee began by fostering close co-operation between the taxi sector and the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE) to work through the backlog of applications.
The core mandate of the structure has been to unlock and develop workable solutions to enable GPRE to process licence applications more efficiently.
The structure has since expanded to include all public transport modes, learner transport, e-hailing services, buses, and meter taxis, as well as local government, law enforcement, and other provincial departments.
This inclusive approach ensures every affected sector has a voice in shaping solutions.
“The committee, which brings together transport operators, law enforcement agencies, municipal representatives, and departmental officials, has already made remarkable progress in terms of verification of public transport operators in the province,” said Diale-Tlabela.
She said central to the process is the purification of public transport data, identifying and removing duplications, fraudulent entries, and outdated records.
“Once finalised, all operating licences, routes, and operator details will be recorded accurately, transparently, and digitally.”
She added that this will strengthen law enforcement on high-risk routes, prevent disputes, and ensure a fair, transparent licensing system.
Diale-Tlabela said a comprehensive verification process conducted jointly by the GDRT, municipalities, and all transport sectors ensures only valid applications move forward.
“Interim interventions have also been introduced to prioritise and fast-track certain cases.”
She stated that one of the biggest upcoming initiatives is the Operation Ziveze campaign, set to roll out across all regions of Gauteng.
“The campaign will give amnesty to applicants affected by administrative delays, allowing them to present valid supporting documents for pending applications and approvals,” she explained.
Diale-Tlabela said in the long term, the department plans to introduce a new digital operating licensing system, described as a “game-changer” for the sector.
“Engagements on the procurement process are already underway, with active input from public transport operators.
“The modernised, technology-driven system will streamline application processes, reduce delays, and significantly improve service delivery for operators across the province,” said Diale-Tlabela.
She concluded with the combination of data cleansing, targeted campaigns, and digital transformation, the GDRT believes it is on track to finally eliminate the backlog and build a fair, transparent, and efficient operating licence system for Gauteng’s public transport industry.
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