Free transport initiative supports Western Cape job seekers

The Western Cape Government has launched Phase 2 of its “Getting You to Work” Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme further to eliminate transport costs as a barrier to employment.

At the Mitchells Plain Town Centre Library, over 300 unemployed residents registered for Gold Cards, which allow them to travel for free on Golden Arrow Bus Services across the Cape Metro.

This phase builds on the success of Phase 1, which began in February 2024 and enabled more than 3,700 residents to sign up through 150 employer partners.

Making opportunities accessible for job seekers

The programme, part of the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, aims to connect job seekers to employment, training, and interviews.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said, “We know from our data that those who received vouchers had a greater chance of attending interviews, securing work, and participating in skills development.”

Residents in areas like Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, and Philippi actively took up Phase 1 of the programme in large numbers, underscoring the urgent need for this kind of support.

Expanding Reach and Access

Unlike Phase 1, which relied on employers to register participants, Phase 2 now lets job seekers register independently online. After registering, individuals can collect a Gold Card—valid for six free weekday trips between 9:00 and 15:00 until March 2026—by showing their ID at Golden Arrow kiosks.

The Western Cape Mobility Department emphasised that the project offers more than just a transport solution.

“This programme is about opening doors and restoring dignity. It is about recognising that every person deserves a fair shot at opportunity,” the department stated.

Employers Encouraged to Join

The government encourages employers to become official partners and distribute vouchers to potential employees.

“By assisting job seekers with free transport, the programme not only helps individuals and families, but strengthens the provincial economy by connecting people to opportunities,” the department added.