eThekwini Municipality has announced that the integrated transport service GO!Durban will commence operations in December after reaching agreements with public transport operators on key issues that previously slowed down the program's implementation.
The Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Shaba, stated at a press briefing on Sunday that reaching these agreements paves the way for the service launch this year. The first route will operate along the C3 corridor between Bridge City and Pinetown, connecting neighboring areas and serving as the initial operational part of the city's integrated public transport network.
Shaba specified that the city, in collaboration with provincial and national transport departments, has overcome several difficulties and agreed with the public transport industry on the fundamental principles of its participation in GO!Durban. These principles cover bus fleet ownership, contract structure, compensation for affected operators, value chain opportunities, and employment.
According to the agreements reached, the city will purchase 22 buses for the main GO!Durban route, while operators will acquire auxiliary transport through Vehicle Operating Companies (VOCs). The city will enter into a three-year interim contract with the VOCs, followed by an agreed 12-year agreement.
Mayor Shaba stated that 75% of employees will be recruited from displaced workers, and compensation for affected operators will be calculated based on their business value, including current profit and the remaining term of their operating licenses.
The next step involves establishing the VOCs, which will provide the governance and ownership structures through which operators can participate in the service. Contracts between the city and the newly established VOCs are expected to be signed during Transport Month in October. Shaba noted that signing these contracts will be part of the soft launch of the service and mark the beginning of the testing and commissioning phase.
The testing phase is expected to last about two months and will cover various systems and operational elements required before the service can begin public operation. The launch along the C3 corridor between Bridge City and Pinetown is scheduled for December 2026.
The remaining Phase One services—C1, C2, C9, and the CBD distribution service—are planned to be introduced in the first quarter of 2027. Furthermore, the city will begin integrating existing subsidized bus services into the GO!Durban network between December 2026 and March 2027. Shaba emphasized that routes will be reviewed and optimized to improve connectivity between communities, key destinations, and various public transport services across eThekwini.
The city will continue stakeholder engagement, operational readiness assurance, and public awareness campaigns throughout this period.
Shaba reported that approximately R9.7 billion has been invested in GO!Durban to date. These funds have been allocated to infrastructure, stations, depots, systems, and professional services for the integrated public transport network. Program funding was provided by the National Department of Transport Public Transport Network Grant.
Despite delays, the mayor noted that the program has also contributed to job creation and economic transformation. A total of 22,967 jobs have been created, including 11,767 for youth, 3,677 for women, and 231 for people with disabilities. Additionally, 25 unemployed graduates have been employed.
The program has also provided approximately R1.2 billion to subcontractors, invested R372 million in enterprise development, and spent R526 million supporting 155 small businesses.
Shaba explained that the goal of GO!Durban is to transform and formalize the existing public transport industry by incorporating affected minibus and bus operators into the official network. He stated that this will create sustainable opportunities for operators to participate in the system.
