Western Cape Expands Free Bus Travel for Job Seekers in Phase 2 Initiative

The Western Cape Government has officially launched Phase 2 of the “Getting You to Work” Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme, a visionary initiative designed to dismantle one of the most persistent barriers to employment—transportation costs. The announcement was made during a large-scale community event at Mitchells Plain Town Centre Library, where over 300 unemployed job seekers gathered to register and receive their Gold Cards for free public transport.

Originally introduced in February 2024, the programme has already connected over 3,700 job seekers to critical employment opportunities by partnering with more than 150 employers. With the launch of its second phase, the initiative has broadened its accessibility and operational capacity, aiming to benefit thousands more across the Cape Metro.

Free Golden Arrow Bus Rides: A Lifeline for the Unemployed

At the heart of the programme lies the Gold Card, a travel voucher card enabling unemployed individuals to travel for free on Golden Arrow Bus Services during off-peak hours, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The card now offers six free trips that can be redeemed until 31 March 2026.

This transport lifeline helps job seekers attend:

• Job interviews

• Skills development courses

• Orientation sessions

• Their first day of work

The Western Cape Mobility Department noted that for many residents, transportation—not lack of ambition or capability—remains the greatest barrier to accessing economic opportunities. “This programme is about opening doors and restoring dignity,” the department said. “It is about recognising that every person deserves a fair shot at opportunity.”

From Local Pilots to Metro-Wide Expansion

Phase 1 of the programme yielded significant insights into community needs, with especially high engagement recorded in areas such as Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, and Philippi. These areas, marked by high unemployment but robust community engagement, demonstrated an urgent demand for transport-enabled job access.

Responding to that success, Phase 2 includes:

• Simplified online registration: Job seekers can now register directly online, removing the earlier requirement of applying through a registered employer.

• Extended voucher validity: The free rides can be utilized until March 2026.

• Employer involvement encouraged: Cape Town employers are urged to become partners in offering transport support to job candidates.

A Growth Strategy Grounded in Mobility Equity

The programme is a cornerstone of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which seeks to build an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy. By prioritizing mobility equity, the initiative recognizes that meaningful job creation must be accompanied by real access to opportunities—something often overlooked in traditional employment schemes.

According to Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku, the impact of transport access is transformative:

“We know from our data that those who received vouchers had a greater chance of attending interviews, securing work, and participating in skills development. That is the pathway from unemployment to opportunity. That is the Growth for Jobs agenda in action.”

Sileku added that the government will continue to innovate, listen to the needs of residents, and collaborate across sectors to ensure no one is left behind because of transportation costs.

Public-Private Collaboration for Social Impact

The continued partnership between the Western Cape Mobility Department and Golden Arrow Bus Services is central to the programme’s success. Together, they are working not just to enhance mobility, but to foster a more inclusive economy.

Golden Arrow’s role is not just operational; the company actively participates in programme refinement, kiosk distribution, and public engagement, ensuring that even those in the most underserved areas can access the service with dignity and ease.

How to Apply for Free Rides

Job seekers can now register by visiting the official portal: Your FREE RIDE to Opportunity | Western Cape Government

Steps to apply:

1. Fill out the online registration form with basic personal and employment-seeking details.

2. After registering, present a valid South African ID at any Golden Arrow kiosk to collect your Gold Card.

3. Begin using the free trips to attend job-related activities across the Cape Metro.

Looking Ahead

Phase 2 of the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme marks a powerful step forward in making economic inclusion not just a policy ambition, but a lived reality for thousands. By removing the transportation barrier, the Western Cape Government is helping job seekers reclaim their agency, confidence, and future potential—one free ride at a time.