The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s Crisis Committee is making significant progress in resolving the backlog of operating licences across all public transport sectors. This includes taxis, e-hailing, scholar transport, buses, and metered taxis.

The Provincial Public Transport Crisis Committee, established and chaired by the MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, was created to work with only the minibus taxi industry.

It is represented by the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and SANTACO Gauteng, alongside the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE). It aims to find sustainable solutions to the license backlog crisis.

The committee has since expanded to include all affected public transport modes, e-hailing, scholar transport, bus, and metered taxi operators, ensuring a truly integrated approach to public transport regulation.

From September to date, a total of 354 operating licences have been 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 MEC Diale-Tlabela.

The MEC noted that this inclusive approach has 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.

She further highlighted the importance of verifying every application and cleaning up the existing public transport database, a process that has helped identify the root causes of the backlog while minimising disputes and potential conflicts within the sector.

“The crisis 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,” said Diale-Tlabela.

She said the new provincial licensing system would clean up public transport data by removing duplications, fraudulent entries, and outdated records.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.”

Diale-Tlabela added that the most notable outcome of the committee’s work has been its success in 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 the Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, on September 12.”

The MEC is now spearheading the development of provincial regulations to implement these changes effectively.

“The department is confident that the new, technology-driven operating licensing system will be a game-changer for Gauteng’s public transport sector, streamlining applications, strengthening data integrity, and improving service delivery for all,” she concluded.

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