The Shift in South Africa’s Transport Landscape
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) recently joined the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit 2025, signalling a new era for public transport in the country. Once seen as a largely informal sector, the minibus taxi industry is now engaging in conversations about digital transformation, green mobility, and regulatory reform.
This move marks a turning point for one of South Africa’s most relied-upon transport systems, responsible for carrying nearly 70% of the nation’s daily commuters. But while the industry modernises, gaps remain, especially for long-distance travel, where limited routes and inconsistent safety standards still frustrate passengers.
What the Transformation Means for Travellers
The taxi industry’s transformation efforts include:
- Introducing cashless payment systems and digital booking platforms.
- Exploring electric or hybrid minibus taxis to reduce emissions.
- Improving driver training and vehicle standards through partnerships with government and mobility innovators.
These changes are promising, yet implementation is uneven. Many rural and intercity travellers still face challenges, unpredictable fares, overcrowded vehicles, and limited comfort for longer trips.
For South Africans who travel between cities or provinces, this ongoing transformation highlights a crucial need for verified, transparent, and convenient alternatives.
Why Carpooling Is Gaining Ground
Carpooling isn’t new, but it’s evolving fast. Platforms like CrabaRide are reimagining shared travel for South Africa’s realities, offering verified intercity rides where passengers and drivers connect directly through familiar tools like WhatsApp and Facebook.
As the taxi industry digitises urban transport, CrabaRide is tackling a different but equally important challenge: long-distance mobility. For people heading from Durban to Johannesburg, Cape Town to Gqeberha, or Pretoria to Polokwane, verified carpooling provides a structured, affordable way to travel safely without the unpredictability of informal taxis.
The CrabaRide Advantage
At CrabaRide, our mission is to make long-distance travel in South Africa Safe. Affordable. Convenient. We’re filling the mobility gap left between public transport and private cars.
Verified Users and Ratings
Each driver and passenger on CrabaRide is verified and reviewed. You know exactly who you’re travelling with before you confirm your seat.
Transparent Pricing
We use ZAR-based, route-specific pricing so travellers can split fair travel costs upfront — no haggling or hidden fees.
WhatsApp-First Platform
By integrating with WhatsApp, CrabaRide makes coordination easy. You can confirm routes, share pickup points, and chat with your travel group seamlessly.
Long-Distance Focus
While taxis dominate short urban routes, CrabaRide specialises in intercity rides, offering structured, trusted connections between major hubs like Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and East London.
Learn more at crabaride.co.za/how-it-works.
What the Future of South African Transport Looks Like
The government’s collaboration with SANTACO and other mobility stakeholders represents a genuine effort to modernise transport. However, with South Africa’s geography and growing population, no single system can meet all needs.
Carpooling is part of the multi-modal future, one where private vehicles, digital taxi networks, and shared-ride communities complement one another. This future is not only efficient but also sustainable.
Platforms like CrabaRide prove that innovation doesn’t always mean building new infrastructure; sometimes, it’s about optimising what we already have, the empty seats in cars driving long distances every day.
The Takeaway
South Africa’s transport sector is evolving, and as taxis modernise, verified carpooling platforms like CrabaRide are redefining what long-distance travel looks like.
You don’t need to wait for the system to catch up. You can already travel smarter, save money, and enjoy peace of mind on every trip.
Find your next verified ride via WhatsApp or visit crabaride.co.za/rides — Safe. Affordable. Convenient.
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