Durban’s GO!Durban bus service is moving closer to its December launch, with a new bus unveiled and an agreement signed for the first corridor between KwaMashu and Pinetown.
According to the eThekwini Municipality, Durban residents are one step closer to having a new public transport option, with the eThekwini Municipality moving ahead with plans to introduce the first corridor of its GO!Durban Integrated Public Transport Network in December 2026.
The project, first announced in 2014 under previous Mayor James Nxumalo, has hit a number of speed bumps along the way. These have been extensively covered by IOL.
The municipality and representatives of the minibus taxi and bus industries signed the GO!Durban Corridor 3 (C3) Process Agreement on October 30 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, marking an important milestone ahead of the service's launch.
The City also unveiled the new GO!Durban bus that will operate along the route, which will connect Bridge City in KwaMashu to Pinetown.
Once operational, C3 is expected to improve access to jobs, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services for residents travelling along the corridor.
The signing ceremony formed part of the City's Transport Month programme, held under the theme "Building the Network Together".
Durban’s GO!Durban bus service is moving closer to its December launch, with a new bus unveiled and an agreement signed for the first corridor between KwaMashu and Pinetown.
According to the eThekwini Municipality, the agreement establishes how minibus taxi and bus operators affected by the corridor will participate in the new transport system. Services will be delivered through formal Vehicle Operating Companies contracted to the City.
In its statement, the municipality said the agreement represented an important step in strengthening cooperation between government and the public transport industry.
City Manager Musa Mbhele said the City remained committed to providing residents with public transport that is safe, reliable and affordable.
"The GO!Durban C3 Process Agreement represents important progress in strengthening collaboration between government and the public transport industries as we work towards a network that serves our communities and supports economic participation," Mbhele said.
GO!Durban set for December launch as City signs key transport agreement
Chairperson of the eThekwini Metro Taxi Council, Mathula Mkhize, described the signing as a significant achievement for the public transport sector.
He said it reflected progress made through ongoing engagement, consultation and partnership between the municipality and stakeholders.
The event also gave delegates an opportunity to see some of the infrastructure and systems that will support the new service.
They toured Westrich Station at Midway Crossing, where they viewed the fare collection system, including the tap-in gates passengers will use when travelling on the network.
Delegates also observed feeder services in operation and visited the facility where I AM GO! badges are issued as part of the customer registration process.
Before passenger services can begin, the municipality and its partners must finalise operating contracts and complete the testing and commissioning of the infrastructure, vehicles and systems.
The C3 corridor will be the first to become operational under Phase 1 of GO!Durban. It will be followed by corridors C1, C9 and C2, as well as the Inner City Distribution System.
The launch follows Council's approval of the GO!Durban Business and Operational Plans on September 1, 2026, which outlined the roadmap for bringing the integrated public transport network into service.