New operating licences for taxi and e-hailing services in Cape Town: What you need to know
The Western Cape E-hailing Association has welcomed the release of more than 1,000 operating licences for taxi and e-hailing services in Cape Town, but said the road ahead is still long, with several unresolved issues that need to be addressed in talks with the City and provincial authorities.
The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government confirmed that 1,106 operating licences are being made available through a two-phase process.
These include 260 licences for operators whose permits have lapsed, and 840 new licences for first-time applicants.
Western Cape E-hailing Association spokesperson Omar Parker said: “We have been at the forefront in fighting for operating licences as the Western Cape E-hailing Association.
“During our march in September, our main issue was that we wanted operating licences. We demanded an investigation into the issue, and this is the result of our efforts, working with other stakeholders.
“We expected more, but out of that amount, 840 plus for new applicants. We are aware of this and welcome it. There are some other issues of serious concern which we hope to address with the City and provincial government.”
The release of additional licences follows a May 2025 review conducted by the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate, which assessed service needs and the current number of compliant operators.
The City, as Transport Planning Authority, confirmed that the Cape Town metropolitan area requires 6,600 operating licences for metered taxi and e-hailing services.
At present, 5,494 valid licences are listed on the Public Transport Regulation System (PTRS), indicating a shortfall of 1,106.
The licensing process is being implemented in two phases:
Phase 1, currently under way, addresses expired or lapsed licences.
Operators whose licences expired between 1 March 2023 and 1 June 2025 must apply for a new licence between 18 and 30 June 2025. These applications will serve as replacements for the previously held permits.
The Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE), which oversees the public transport licensing process, said affected operators must apply in person and provide the required documentation.
Requests for an extension must be submitted with supporting motivation by 1 July 2025 to Shantel Radien at shantel.radien@westerncape.gov.za or by calling 021 483 0241.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za