Western Cape Mobility Department steps up action against illegal public transport operators

The Western Cape Mobility Department is stepping up action against illegal public transport operators to make public transport safer and more reliable for commuters.

The Department is cancelling unused operating licences, investigating operators who violate the conditions of their licences, and taking action against illegal public transport operations in hotspot areas such as Atlantis and Somerset West.

For commuters, this means stronger action against operators who operate illegally, intimidate others or ignore the conditions of their operating licences. It also helps protect operators who follow the law and provide safe, reliable services.

Under the National Land Transport Act, the Department can cancel operating licences that have not been used for more than six months. Some of these unused licences are illegally rented out or used by people who have not been approved by the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE), which can put commuters at risk. The Department is also investigating operators suspected of operating illegally or breaking the conditions of their operating licences.

The Department's latest figures show a significant increase in enforcement during 2026:

• 213 investigations were launched into unused operating licences, resulting in 118 licences being cancelled, compared with 24 cancellations in 2025.
• 111 investigations were launched into alleged illegal operations and operating licence violations, compared with 7 investigations in 2025.
• Targeted enforcement is under way in several hotspot areas, including Atlantis (32 investigations), Somerset West (13) and Killarney (3).

In Atlantis, the Department cancelled nine unused operating licences after investigations found they no longer met the requirements of the law. CCTV footage from the Atlantis Wesfleur Taxi Rank has also been used to identify illegal operators and support further investigations. Since these interventions began, conditions at the taxi rank have stabilised.

In Somerset West, CCTV footage obtained from the City of Cape Town has been used to investigate operators suspected of breaking the conditions of their operating licences. Thirteen operators have already been called to hearings, with further investigations continuing.

These enforcement actions follow a recent Western Cape High Court judgment confirming that operators and individuals may not interfere with public transport services, intimidate other operators or break the conditions of their operating licences on specified Somerset West routes. The Court made it clear that operators who ignore the law will face serious consequences.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, said the Department's enforcement efforts are about protecting commuters and restoring confidence in public transport.

"Every commuter deserves to travel safely and every law-abiding operator deserves a fair opportunity to earn a living. Our operating licence system exists to protect both. We are sending a clear message that illegal operations, abuse of operating licences and conduct that fuels conflict will not be tolerated. The increase in cancelled unused licences and regulatory investigations shows that we are taking firm action to clean up the system. By combining legislative enforcement with evidence such as CCTV footage, we are holding offenders accountable while protecting operators who comply with the law. For commuters, this means a safer, more reliable public transport system they can have confidence in."

The Western Cape Mobility Department will continue working with law enforcement agencies to monitor public transport hotspots, protect commuters and lawful operators, and improve safety across the province. 

Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za