Gauteng government and taxi industry strike deal to safeguard public transport

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and leaders of the provincial taxi industry have agreed on a roadmap to address key challenges affecting the sector while maintaining uninterrupted public transport services across the province.

Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela met with taxi industry representatives on Thursday to discuss pressing issues, including operating licence backlogs, regulatory compliance, commuter safety and the overall stability of the industry.

Diale-Tlabela welcomed the outcome of the meeting, saying the renewed commitment to cooperation would help resolve outstanding matters through continued dialogue.

She stressed that reliable public transport is essential for Gauteng's economy and residents, adding that commuters deserve to travel safely and without fear. The MEC said the department would continue working closely with the taxi industry to build a transport system that is safe, affordable, reliable and fully compliant with the law.

Among the resolutions reached are regular structured engagements between the department and the taxi industry, faster processing of operating licences including verification and inheritance matters and joint interventions to tackle commuter safety concerns, including allegations of intimidation and harassment.

The department and taxi industry leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to greater accountability and collaboration as they work towards a safer, more reliable and accessible public transport system. The department said it will strengthen direct engagement with taxi operators to improve oversight and gain a better understanding of challenges facing the sector.