The Gauteng Provincial Public Transport Crisis Committee, which Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela set up in January, is making strong progress in clearing the province’s long-standing public transport operating license backlog.

MEC Diale-Tlabela chairs the Committee, bringing together the minibus taxi industry through the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and SANTACO Gauteng with the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE). The Committee has since expanded to include e-hailing, scholar transport, bus, and metered taxi operators, creating an inclusive platform to solve shared challenges.

Since September, 354 operating licenses have been issued, 5 049 applications have been approved, and 2 247 have been sent for adjudication. The MEC says the process has not only sped up approvals but also built unity among operators.

“All operators exist for the same purpose, face similar challenges, and must work together for the greater good of the public transport system,” she said.

A key part of the Committee’s work has been cleaning up the provincial transport database, verifying every application, identifying outdated records, and rooting out duplication and fraud. This has reduced disputes and helped the GPRE fast-track processing.

“The new provincial licensing system we are finalising will purify public transport data, ensuring accurate, transparent, and digital records,” Diale-Tlabela explained. “It will also strengthen law enforcement on high-risk routes and cut down on operator conflicts.”

Beyond tackling the backlog, the Committee is driving broader reforms. It has pushed for finalising amendments to the Land Transport legislation and supported the new e-hailing regulations signed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on September 12.

The MEC is now leading the development of provincial regulations to bring these changes to life.

“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,” concluded MEC Diale-Tlabela.