Durban’s new bus service takes a major step towards December launch

Durban’s long-awaited GO!Durban public transport network is moving closer to reality, with the City’s first bus corridor expected to begin operating in December 2026.

The eThekwini Municipality and representatives of the minibus taxi and bus industries signed the GO!Durban Corridor 3 (C3) Process Agreement on 30 October, marking an important step towards the launch.

The City also unveiled the new GO!Durban bus that will serve the route during a ceremony at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

New bus service to connect KwaMashu and Pinetown

The first corridor, known as C3, will run between Bridge City in KwaMashu and Pinetown.

Once operational, the service is expected to improve public transport connections for residents travelling to work, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

The agreement signed by the municipality and public transport representatives establishes how affected minibus taxi and bus operators will participate in the new system.

Services will be delivered through formal Vehicle Operating Companies contracted to the City.

City Manager Musa Mbhele said the agreement represented progress in building a public transport network that was safe, reliable and affordable.

He added that collaboration between government and the public transport industry was essential to supporting economic participation and serving local communities.

What still needs to happen before launch?

Although the December launch is planned, several steps still need to be completed before passengers can start using the service.

The municipality and its partners must finalise operating contracts as well as complete the testing and commissioning of infrastructure, buses and operating systems.

During the signing ceremony, delegates visited Westrich Station at Midway Crossing, where they were shown the fare collection system, including the tap-in gates passengers will use.

They also observed feeder services operating and visited the facility where I AM GO! badges are issued as part of the customer registration process.

More GO!Durban corridors to follow

Corridor 3 is the first part of Phase 1 of the GO!Durban Integrated Public Transport Network to enter operation.

The rollout will eventually be followed by corridors C1, C9 and C2, as well as the Inner City Distribution System.

The launch follows eThekwini Council’s approval of the GO!Durban Business and Operational Plans on 1 September 2026, which established the roadmap for bringing the wider network into service.

The municipality has positioned the project as a major step towards improving public transport across Durban, with the first C3 services expected to begin operating in December 2026.