The Gauteng Roads and Transport Department says its crisis committee has made significant progress in tackling the long-standing operating licence backlog since its formation to deal with the problem in January.
MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, established the Transport Crisis Committee to work with the minibus taxi industry, which is represented by the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance and Santaco Gauteng, alongside the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE), to find sustainable solutions to the 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,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.
It noted that from September 2025 to date a total of 354 operating licences had been issued, 5 049 applications had been approved, and 2 247 had been 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.
She said the inclusive approach had demonstrated the power of participation and collective problem-solving, resulting in renewed cooperation among transport stakeholders and accelerated progress by the GPRE in processing applications.
She 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.
“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.
“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licensing system we are finalising will purify public transport data by removing duplications, fraudulent entries, and outdated records.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.”
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.
Diale-Tlabela is 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.”
