Public transport bus services are generally based on the regular operation of transit buses along a route calling at agreed bus stops according to a published public transport timetable.
Bus Services In South Africa
Public transportation in South Africa
For many locals, driving in South Africa is the only realistic option for the daily commute. Although it’s touted as the safe option, it isn’t necessarily the safest choice for getting around. South Africa has long had one of the highest carjacking rates in the world, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
What’s the alternative, then? South Africa’s Department of Transport oversees most transportation methods in the country, from trains to taxis. As a matter of fact, South Africa boasts Africa’s busiest railway network.
Many cities are rolling out bus rapid transit routes to improve travel times and safety levels (and for those that don’t mind a reckless bus driver, minibus taxis are also everywhere). Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are also popular options in urban areas, particularly after sunset.
Public transportation apps in South Africa
Unfortunately, official websites and apps for many of the public transportation options in South Africa are limited, outdated, or even nonexistent. In addition, some official apps are poorly built and have low ratings. There are a few of the alternative options for planning your next trip or daily commute, including the following:
Traveling on any of the Metrorail networks?
Forget the official website (which never updates) as well as their social media accounts (which post about every single train departure): GoMetro has comprehensive
Living in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, or Pretoria?
GauRider is a simple, Gauteng-focussed app for looking up departure times, planning itineraries, as well as tracking the credit on your Gautrain Card. The app works both for Gautrain’s commuter rail network as well as their bus routes. GauRider is available for iOS.
Moving Gauteng also provides route information, departure boards, and itinerary planners for a variety of public transportation services throughout Gauteng, including A Re Yeng, Gautrain, Harambee, Metrobus, Metrorail, Rea Vaya, and Tshwane Bus Services.
Taking the bus in Cape Town?
MyCiTi, Cape Town’s local bus company, has a mobile app for planning routes, calculating bus fares, and topping up the balance on your myconnect Card. The MyCiTi app is available for Android as well as iOS.
How many bus companies are there in South Africa?
The report profiles 41 companies in the bus and coach sector, including PUTCO (Pty) Ltd which has a fleet of 1,800 buses, and Golden Arrow Bus Services (Pty) Ltd, which is the official Vehicle Operating Company for the City of Cape Town’s MyCiTi BRT service.
What is the biggest bus company in South Africa?
PUTCO is the only public passenger company previously listed on the JSE Limited and has grown into the biggest commuter bus operator in the country. It operates 1,600 buses, employs just over 3,300 people and transports more than 230,000 commuters daily. PUTCO vehicles travel more than 90 million kilometers per year.
What are the 4 modes of transportation used in South Africa?
Different methods of transportation in South Africa include roads, railways, airports, water, and pipelines for petroleum oil. The majority of people in South Africa use informal minibus taxis as their main mode of transport.
Which is the best bus service in South Africa?
Popular bus companies in South Africa
Intercape. ★★★★☆ (3.2/5) Intercape is the largest intercity passenger transport service operating in South Africa but also in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
IntercityXpress. ★★★★☆ (3.2/5) …
Eldo Coach. ★★★★☆ (3.1/5) …
Eagle Liner. ★★★☆☆ (2.6/5)
What is commonly used for transportation in South Africa?
In South Africa, the public transport industry comprises of three main modes of transport: the traditional commuter rail system and the new Gautrain high-speed rail between Johannesburg, Tshwane (Pretoria), and the Oliver Tambo International Airport; the subsidized and unsubsidized commuter bus industry,