Pretoria:A new digital platform to process transport operating licences has been launched in Gauteng, aiming to cut down on administrative delays and enhance service accessibility for operators. This was announced by Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Gauteng Public Transport Regulatory Information System (GPTRIS) is designed to improve access, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and governance transparency. It addresses issues within the operating licence value chain, such as delays due to IT infrastructure and administrative processes.
The MEC emphasized that the goal is to create a faster and more transparent licensing system, ensuring applications meet legislative and regulatory standards. The GPTRIS aims to standardize compliance checks and support adherence to legislative prescripts, including maintaining a 60-day turnaround for applications and processing over-the-counter applications efficiently.
Once fully implemented, the GPTRIS will offer a self-service function, allowing applicants to submit applications and track progress from anywhere. This feature is expected to eliminate long queues and provide integrated payment options for secure and immediate digital transactions, thus streamlining workflows and reducing processing times.
The system will enhance transparency and governance through real-time application tracking and better management of licensing information. It will also improve data accuracy with the purification of records, including route information.
For the e-hailing sector, the launch is a significant development, strengthening the interface between operators and the provincial regulatory system. This initiative is in line with the official recognition of e-hailing services as legal public transport under the National Land Transport Amendment Act and Regulations.
The launch is part of Gauteng's broader digital transformation agenda, focusing on using technology to improve administrative efficiency, client experience, and the management of operating licence applications. The department is committed to creating a modern, efficient, and transparent public transport regulatory environment.