Enhancement of Minibus Taxis through Technological Innovations: A Case of Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa

Mbatha, Siphiwe and Gumbo, Trynos and Kalaoane, Retsepile Charity (2025) Enhancement of Minibus Taxis through Technological Innovations: A Case of Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. URBAN INNOVATION: TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO CITIES HAVE GONE BEFORE. Medium sized cities and towns as a major arena of global urbanisation. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2025, 30th Intl. Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 355-365. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

Minibus taxis are a prominent mode in the transport sector and serve as a backbone of public transport in South Africa. They are a transport of choice and more convenient, and they are the most easily accessible even if not preferred. They provide affordable and flexible mobility for South African commuters. However, the sector faces challenges such as safety concerns, inefficiencies, and a lack of formalized systems. The study aim to explore how technological innovations can enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of minibus taxis and the spatial route network serviced by minibus taxi system in Soweto. It examines the impact of digital payment systems, GPS tracking, ride-hailing apps, and smart fleet management on improving service delivery and commuter experience.Through a qualitative case study approach, the research evaluates existing technological interventions and their effectiveness in modernizing the minibus taxi industry. Findings indicate that while digital innovations have the potential to streamline operations, barriers such as resistance to change, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory challenges hinder widespread adoption, and the minibus taxi system service many neighbourhood in Soweto.The study concludes by noting that there is a limitation of technological innovations deployed in the current operations of the minibus taxis in Soweto and there is a possibility of implementing technological innovations in transforming informal transport networks. Further, the study recommends to integrate smart solutions into Soweto’s minibus taxi sector to improve urban mobility in vaious aspects for this mode and the system as a whole.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Minibus taxis, technological innovation, urban mobility, digital transformation, Soweto, public transport.
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology T Technology > T Technology (General)
Depositing User:	The CORP Team
Date Deposited:	24 May 2025 14:23
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2025 10:25
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1225

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