The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has met with scholar transport operators at Boekenhoutkloof Traffic College in Tshwane as part of the Learner Transport Education and Awareness Programme (LTEAP).
LTEAP is aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance, promoting responsible operations and improving learner transport services across the province.
“The initiative forms part of the department’s proactive response to concerns surrounding learner transport incidents in Gauteng.
“Through education, enforcement and stakeholder collaboration, the programme seeks to address operational challenges and promote a safe, reliable, compliant and well-regulated learner transport system.
“During the session, operators were sensitised to their legal and operational responsibilities, including operating licence requirements, vehicle roadworthiness and responsible driving practices.
“The department further emphasised the importance of complying with road traffic laws and ensuring that vehicles used to transport learners meet prescribed safety and operational standards,” the department said.
The role of the Gauteng Public Transport Regulatory Information System (GPTRIS) was also highlighted as an important component in strengthening scholar transport regulation and improving access to licensing services.
“Through GPTRIS, scholar transport operators will benefit from improved access to licensing information and more efficient application processes, enabling them to monitor their applications and address compliance requirements,” the department said.
The department emphasised that effective learner transport management requires cooperation among operators, parents, schools, transport associations, law enforcement agencies and government departments.
The session provided operators with an opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarity on regulatory requirements and discuss challenges affecting their operations.
Feedback gathered during the engagement will inform follow-up interventions aimed at improving compliance, strengthening accountability and enhancing coordination among relevant stakeholders.
According to the department, LTEAP will be implemented through a structured roadshow across all five regions of Gauteng, providing consistent education and guidance to scholar transport stakeholders.
“The initiative forms part of Gauteng’s broader road safety strategy and adopts the Safe System Approach, which promotes shared responsibility for preventing road crashes and serious injuries,” the department said.
The department has called on all scholar transport operators to work closely with it and its partners to comply with the applicable legislation and the prescribed standards for transporting learners.
"Ensuring the safety of learners remains a shared responsibility. Through responsible driving, regulatory compliance and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders, Gauteng can continue working towards safer and more reliable learner transport services across the province."
The session took place as South Africa marks Transport Month this October. – SAnews.gov.za
