Improving mobility in South Africa’s economic heartland requires more than infrastructure — it requires coordination, integration, and a unified approach to planning. During an interview at the Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) summit, Tshepo Kgobe PMP, Interim CEO of the Transport Authority for Gauteng (TAG), shared clear and grounded insights on the institution’s role, its priorities, and the strategies guiding Gauteng’s transport future. He emphasised that TAG was created to ensure that transport planning across the province is coordinated, consolidated, and integrated. The authority’s mandate extends beyond planning; it aims to bring together every part of the transport system so that it functions “as a whole,” enabling smoother mobility for residents across the province.
Setting up a unified transport authority
A major part of Mr Kgobe’s responsibility has been to establish and stabilise the TAG entity. This includes completing foundational frameworks such as the Integrated Transport Master Plan, the Strategic Transport Plan, and the Integrated Implementation Plan. These documents form the base for the future of transport delivery and management across Gauteng. Ensuring these plans move from development to implementation is central to TAG’s work. As he explained, the leadership team’s role is to make sure these commitments translate into action across the province.
Driving integration and coordination across Gauteng
Throughout the conversation, Mr Kgobe highlighted two essential pillars for improving mobility in Gauteng: integration and coordination. Gauteng is made up of three metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni — along with two district municipalities, Sedibeng and Merafong. With residents regularly crossing municipal boundaries, the transport system must work seamlessly across jurisdictions. Integration aligns the system; coordination ensures that municipalities “do what they’re supposed to do, and they do it in a coordinated manner.” TAG’s mandate is rooted in Section 12.1A of the National Land Transport Act, which enables provinces or cities to create structures that bring stakeholders together to improve public transport. Stakeholder alignment — aligning priorities, planning and implementation — is at the heart of TAG’s mission.
Enhancing commuter experience through collaboration
Improving commuter experience requires collaboration at every level. Mr Kgobe explained that TAG works closely with cities, operators and private stakeholders to ensure reliable, consistent and safe travel across Gauteng. Because the province’s transport network spans municipalities and modes, aligned planning and regulation are essential. This includes coordinating system planning, fare regulation, and the adoption of shared standards across the network. Everybody travels across municipal boundaries,” he said, highlighting the importance of a province-wide approach instead of fragmented solutions.
A focus on regulation, fares and standards
While innovation and technology often dominate mobility discussions, Mr Kgobe emphasised the equal importance of regulation, pricing and standards. One of TAG’s major initiatives is developing an integrated fare management policy, designed to regulate pricing across modes and keep public transport affordable for residents. TAG is also responsible for setting public transport norms and standards. As he noted, even advanced technology cannot compensate for inconsistent implementation — “If you do not sort out the norms and standards… you will not get it right.” Standards underpin reliability, safety and overall system performance.
Coordinating implementation across the province
Beyond planning and regulation, TAG plays a vital role in coordinating implementation. This ensures that transport projects across Gauteng complement one another and contribute to a unified, integrated system. For Mr Kgobe, coordination is about ensuring that what “has to be done” is delivered consistently across the province. This reduces duplication, clarifies responsibilities and strengthens transport delivery for both operators and commuters.
TAG’s role: Building a seamless future for Gauteng mobility
The insights shared at the SMA summit reflect TAG’s mission to create an integrated, coordinated and regulated transport system that meets the realities of Gauteng’s mobility patterns. From planning frameworks to fare regulation and stakeholder alignment, TAG is positioning itself as a central force in shaping the province’s transport future. As Gauteng continues to grow, TAG’s work will remain essential to ensuring that commuters experience a seamless, efficient and connected transport network.
Learn more about the Transport Authority for Gauteng: https://gautengonthemove.co.za/about-us/
Contact Us
VUKA is the trusted media partner to key professionals, policy makers, suppliers and
manufacturers. We provide unparalleled opportunities for industry-wide connection.
