In the hopes of celebrating Mobility Month, the Western Cape Department of Mobility has highlighted a zero backlog in public transport operating licence applications.

This is supported by systems and processes that keep applications moving and help prevent delays, according to the department.

Monitors transport

To support this process, the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) takes an average of just 48 days to process applications within the legal limit of 60 days.

The PRE monitors and oversees public transport systems across the province to ensure they are safe, reliable, and efficient.

Transport operators, who must have a valid operating licence or qualifying permit to operate legally, can apply online without having to visit PRE offices and receive SMS updates on the progress of their applications.

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The Department also uses an electronic system to track applications and regularly checks for possible delays so that problems can be addressed early.

It works with operators and municipalities to help applicants understand the process and submit the correct documents, while vehicles are also checked for safety before an operating licence is issued.

Ongoing effort

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, recently visited the PRE adjudicators to see how applications are processed and to engage with the team responsible for this work.

He said maintaining a zero backlog requires ongoing effort.

“Keeping applications up to date is not a once-off achievement. It takes good systems, regular monitoring and dedicated staff to prevent delays. For operators, this means less waiting and greater certainty when planning their businesses. For residents, it supports safer and more reliable public transport. We will continue working to make our services faster, simpler and easier to access.”

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