​The City of Johannesburg is officially launching the October Transport Month 2026 (OTM2026) campaign on Thursday 1 October 2026, celebrating its 21st anniversary since its inception during the 2005 Transport Lekgotla. Under the theme "Working Together Through Public Private Partnerships," this year's campaign coincides with South Africa's 32 years of democracy and aims to showcase robust service delivery across all modes of transportation.

Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Councillor Kenny Kunene says," October Transport Month serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about the critical role transport plays in the national economy. The 2026 campaign is designed to mobilise both public and private sector participation to help achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, stimulate economic growth, promote sustainable job creation, and foster social development".

The City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with its key entities and external partners, will focus on promoting a safe, affordable, accessible and reliable transport system including unveiling new projects and initiatives.

“Key priorities for this year include reducing traffic congestion, repairing road infrastructure and educating the public on greenhouse gas emissions to inspire a value-based behavioural shift toward cycling, road safety, and public transit" says MMC Kunene.

To achieve these goals, the City of Johannesburg has outlined seven core objectives for OTM2026:

• Promote Universal Access: Collaborating directly with persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive transport networks.
• Enhance Road Safety: Implementing a reward system to recognize and incentivize the best-performing public transport drivers.
• Foster Career Development: Conducting educational outreach programmes at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the Transport Museum to promote transport-related careers to youth.
• Accelerate Infrastructure Repairs: Encouraging public-private partnerships to fast-track the maintenance of traffic lights and road networks.
• Address Environmental and Health Impacts: Raising awareness about the direct correlation between road transport emissions and public health.
• Promote Non-Motorised Transport (NMT): Encouraging active mobility alternatives such as cycling and walking.
• Improve Commuter Safety: Launching free Wi-Fi connectivity across Rea Vaya stations to improve digital inclusion and passenger security.

 
“I am proud to announce that on Thursday I will unveil the Traffic Signal Backup Power Supply (TSBPS) Partnership with Wits University. The TSBPS work entailed upgraded traffic signals, underground chambers, pedestrian countdown timer signals, audible pushbuttons and lane lights in seven intersecting streets in Braamfontein", says MMC Kunene.

The OTM2026 initiatives are led by the City's Transport Department, Metrobus, Rea Vaya, the Metropolitan Trading Company (MTC) and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). They are joined by a diverse group of partners, including the Environmental Infrastructure Service Department (EISD), Joburg Development Agency (JDA), Gauteng Provincial Government, PRASA, PUTCO, community-based organisations and various transport interest groups.

Civil society, local businesses, and residents are invited to participate in the upcoming events and choose public transit or non-motorised transport options throughout the month to help build a more sustainable Johannesburg.

Written by Virgil James
30/09/2026
 
Recommended for you:
Rea Vaya rolls out buses to support Bafana Bafana
JDA's Nkosi earns national plaudits for her records management feat
City updates stakeholders on the Lilian Ngoyi Rehabilitation project