South Africa’s transport sector is entering October with government promising a more integrated system aimed at making public transport safer and more affordable while rebuilding the rail and port network that supports the country’s freight economy.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy launched October Transport Month 2026 on Thursday, 1 October, under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system.” The campaign runs throughout October and marks 21 years since Transport Month was first launched in 2005.
Creecy said households, bus and taxi operators and the freight and logistics industry had faced a difficult year, with geopolitical pressures affecting supply chains, trade routes and fuel prices.
For ordinary South Africans, however, the affordability of transport remains one of the biggest issues.
Rail recovery brings cheaper alternative
Creecy highlighted the recovery of passenger rail services by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), saying 35 of its 40 priority passenger rail lines had been recovered over the past two years.
PRASA passenger trips increased from 10 million in 2020/21 to an audited 101 million during the 2025/26 financial year, according to the Minister.
She said passengers generally pay between R12 and R15 for a return trip during peak periods, depending on the distance travelled.
Further work this year will focus on refurbishing railway tracks, signalling systems and stations to accommodate more passengers and improve service frequency and punctuality.
The government also wants closer integration between rail, buses and minibus taxis.
Changes planned for taxi industry
Creecy said government was working on a unified public transport support model that would apply to selected routes and be available to both bus and taxi operators.
The Department of Transport is also working with the taxi industry on reforms that include repurposing the taxi recapitalisation grant to help operators obtain more affordable vehicles with lower repayments.
Pilot Transport Operating Companies, with one planned in each province, are also being used to test new management and investment models.
Freight rail and ports remain critical
For the trucking and logistics industry, one of the biggest issues highlighted during the launch was the continued reform of the country’s freight network.
Cabinet recently supported the separation of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) into a stand-alone state-owned company. Government says the move is intended to improve port infrastructure, reliability and competitiveness.
Creecy said the separation should allow TNPA to use its revenue to invest in port infrastructure and equipment.
The Minister also pointed to progress in opening the rail network to private operators. Eleven private Train Operating Companies have been approved to use the state-owned national rail network, with operations expected to begin in April 2027.
Transnet moved about 167.9 million tonnes by rail during 2025/26, against a target of 180.6 million tonnes. Government’s stated longer-term target is to reach 250 million tonnes a year on the Transnet network by the end of the political term.
Public investment of R16.8 billion has already been approved through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure for projects covering coal and iron ore rail lines and port infrastructure, with applications for another R23.6 billion being developed.
Private-sector investment is also being pursued for projects including the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor, Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal and the planned container corridor between Gauteng and Durban.
For South Africa’s trucking sector, these reforms matter because what happens on the rail network, at the ports and on the country’s roads ultimately affects how efficiently goods move.
Transport Month will therefore put the spotlight not only on passengers and road safety, but on the wider transport system that keeps South Africa’s economy moving.
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