The Western Cape Government has initiated Phase 2 of the “Getting You to Work” Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme, which aims to address one of the biggest barriers faced by unemployed residents, which is the cost of transport.
The provincial government launched the initiative at the Mitchells Plain Town Centre Library, where over 300 unemployed job seekers attended and registered for Gold Cards.
These cards will enable them to travel free of charge using Golden Arrow Bus Services across the Cape Metro to access job opportunities.
The Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme was launched in February 2024, and since then, over 3 700 unemployed residents have registered through more than 150 employer partners.
“The programme is rooted in a simple but powerful goal – removing the barrier created by the cost of public transport for residents to get jobs,” said the provincial government in a statement.
It further reported that Phase 1 showed a particularly high uptake in communities such as Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, and Philippi, highlighting the significant demand for this type of intervention.
Expanding reach
The Western Cape Mobility Department has noted that many capable and willing residents remain unemployed, not due to a lack of skills or motivation, but because they cannot afford to attend interviews, training centres, or even their first day of work.
“Transport becomes the obstacle to residents achieving their full potential. This programme is about opening doors and restoring dignity. It is about recognising that every person deserves a fair shot at opportunity. Phase 2 aims to expand our reach, making it easier for more job seekers to register, access support, and get to where they need to be,” said the provincial department.
According to the department, job seekers can now register online directly, removing the previous requirement to go through a registered employer.
The vouchers now include six free trips, which can be used between 9 am and 3 pm, Monday to Friday, until 31 March 2026.
The department has encouraged employers in Cape Town to register as partners and offer these travel vouchers to prospective employees.
This initiative is part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to foster an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy.
“By assisting job seekers with free transport, the programme not only helps individuals and families, but strengthens the provincial economy by connecting people to opportunities.”
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said: “We know from our data that those who received vouchers had a greater chance of attending interviews, securing work, and participating in skills development. That is the pathway from unemployment to opportunity. That is the Growth for Jobs agenda in action.”
Sileku said no one should be left behind because they cannot afford to get to an interview.
“We will continue to innovate, to listen, and to work together to create a mobility system that serves all the people of the Western Cape.”
The Western Cape Mobility Department and Golden Arrow Bus Services are dedicated to ongoing collaboration and enhancing access to employment.
How to apply:
Job seekers can register online by filling out the registration prompts on the portal at Your FREE RIDE to opportunity | Western Cape Government.
After completing the registration, they must present their identity document (ID) at Golden Arrow kiosks to collect their Gold Card. – SAnews.gov.za
