The Western Cape Mobility Department says it is stepping up action against illegal public transport operators to make public transport safer and more reliable for commuters.

The department says it is cancelling unused operating licences, investigating operators who violate their licence conditions, and taking action against illegal public transport operations in hotspot areas, including Atlantis and Somerset West.

The department’s latest figures show that 213 investigations into unused operating licences resulted in 118 licences being cancelled this year, compared with 24 cancellations in 2025.

In addition, 111 investigations into alleged illegal operations and operating licence violations have been launched, compared with seven investigations last year.

According to Minister Isaac Sileku, targeted enforcement is under way in Atlantis, Somerset West and Killarney.

“We are sending a clear message that illegal operations, abuse of operating licences and conduct that fuels conflict will not be tolerated.” added Sileku

In Atlantis, nine unused operating licences were cancelled after investigations found they no longer met the requirements of the law. CCTV footage from the Atlantis Wesfleur Taxi Rank has also been used to identify illegal operators and support further investigations. The department says conditions at the taxi rank have stabilised since the interventions began.

In Somerset West, CCTV footage obtained from the City of Cape Town has been used to investigate operators suspected of breaching the conditions of their operating licences. Thirteen operators have already been called to hearings, while further investigations continue.

These enforcement actions follow a recent Western Cape High Court judgment confirming that operators and individuals may not interfere with public transport services, intimidate other operators or breach the conditions of their operating licences on specified Somerset West routes.

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