Free School Transport Subsidy – In a major relief for thousands of families, the South African government has officially confirmed a Free School Transport Subsidy worth R870 for the July–August 2025 school term. This initiative, aimed at easing financial pressure on low-income households, ensures that qualifying learners can travel to school without worrying about transport costs. Managed through provincial education departments in collaboration with the Department of Transport, this subsidy will provide full or partial transportation support depending on learner eligibility and route availability. With the rising cost of living, fuel, and public transport, many parents have struggled to afford daily school commutes for their children. The R870 subsidy acts as a lifeline, especially for learners in rural or township areas where long travel distances and unreliable transport services remain a serious concern. This announcement has been welcomed by school principals, SGBs (School Governing Bodies), and parent associations, who have long demanded stronger support for learners’ access to education. To access the R870 subsidy, learners must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), including distance from school, household income, and grade level. Eligible families are advised to submit their transport subsidy applications immediately, with the final cut-off expected within the first week of August 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, routes, school requirements, application process, and payment disbursement for the free transport initiative.
Who Qualifies for the Free School Transport Subsidy
Not all learners automatically qualify. The government has defined strict eligibility rules to ensure the support reaches those most in need.
- Learners must attend a public school registered with the DBE.
- Home-to-school distance must be 5 km or more (one-way).
- Household income must fall under the subsidy threshold (R3500 or less per month).
- Only learners in Grade R to Grade 12 are eligible.
- Priority given to learners in rural, township, or informal settlement areas.
- Learners must not already receive other transport allowances from any department.
- Parents must submit signed consent forms and proof of income.
Free School Transport Subsidy – Application Cut-Off Dates & Regions Covered
Each province and district has a slightly different cut-off timeline. Here’s a quick overview of key dates and coverage.
| Province | Last Date to Apply | Areas Covered | DBE Hotline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 2 August 2025 | Johannesburg South, Tembisa, Hammanskraal | 0800 000 789 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 5 August 2025 | Ladysmith, Umlazi, Port Shepstone | 0800 202 933 |
| Eastern Cape | 2 August 2025 | Mthatha, King William’s Town, Lusikisiki | 0861 384 847 |
| Limpopo | 6 August 2025 | Giyani, Polokwane, Thohoyandou | 0800 555 223 |
| Free State | 5 August 2025 | Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Welkom | 0860 123 467 |
| Mpumalanga | 3 August 2025 | Ermelo, Middelburg, Bushbuckridge | 0800 200 101 |
| Northern Cape | 7 August 2025 | Kimberley, Springbok | 0800 100 788 |
| Western Cape | 1 August 2025 | Cape Flats, Worcester, George | 021 467 2000 |
How to Apply for the Free School Transport Subsidy Before Deadline
The application process has been simplified to make it easy for parents or guardians. Required documents must be submitted to the school or local education office.
- Collect the official application form from the school administration.
- Attach certified copies of the learner’s birth certificate and proof of residence.
- Attach parent/guardian ID copies and 3-month bank statement or SASSA slip.
- Submit the signed form at school or at the district office.
- Await confirmation SMS or written notice within 7–10 working days.
What Happens After Submission? Here’s the Approval Timeline
Once the documents are submitted, the following process takes place:
- District education officer verifies distance using GIS tools.
- Income verification done via SASSA and Home Affairs systems.
- If approved, school transport is arranged through a registered shuttle service.
- Transport vouchers or pickup routes are issued to parents.
- Transport services begin between 5–8 August 2025, depending on district.
Key Features of the Free School Transport Subsidy: What It Covers
This R870 subsidy is not a direct cash payout. Instead, it provides travel support via authorized routes, buses, and shuttles.
- Covers two-way travel from home to school (weekdays only).
- Assigned vehicles include minibus taxis, buses, and DBE-approved vans.
- Transport is GPS tracked and monitored by the department.
- Pickup/drop-off points are assigned at safe zones near home.
- Some districts offer voucher-based Uber School Travel credits.
- Covers only the current term (July–August 2025).
- Learners may lose subsidy if absent for more than 7 days without valid reason.
Transport Providers Registered for Subsidy Program (By Region)
| Region | Approved Provider | Type of Vehicle Used | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Gautrans Logistics | 22-seater minibus | 011 223 0045 |
| Cape Town | EduTrans Cape | School shuttle vans | 021 449 3302 |
| Durban | SafeComm Transport | GPS-enabled taxis | 031 889 7433 |
| Bloemfontein | FreeState Riders | Municipal bus | 051 772 8811 |
| Polokwane | Limpopo EduCab | Shuttle vans | 015 233 5542 |
How to Track Your Child’s Transport Schedule and Status
For added safety and transparency, parents can track their child’s transport and status updates.
- Use the “DBE School Transport” App on Android or iOS.
- Enter learner’s subsidy reference number to view pickup details.
- SMS alerts sent daily with pickup time and route name.
- Emergency hotline available for delays or driver complaints.
What If Transport Doesn’t Arrive? Here’s What to Do
In cases of service delays or breakdowns:
- Immediately contact the driver via the assigned emergency number.
- Inform the school principal or transport coordinator.
- If not resolved in 1 hour, escalate to provincial DBE transport office.
- Temporary taxi fare vouchers may be issued for urgent cases.
Common Issues and Solutions in School Transport Subsidy Program
While the initiative is helpful, certain issues have been reported in past cycles.
- Overcrowding: Some vehicles carry more than capacity. Solution: Report to DBE complaints line immediately.
- Late Pickups: Morning pickups delayed in rural areas. Solution: Ask for revised pickup times.
- Lost Approval Slips: Many parents misplace transport slips. Solution: Request reprint at school office.
- Sibling Eligibility Confusion: Only one child receives transport. Solution: Reapply for each child individually.
Tips for Parents to Ensure Smooth Transport Access
Here are a few simple steps to improve your child’s safety and service quality:
- Always confirm your child boards the correct vehicle with their name tag.
- Make a note of driver contact numbers and vehicle license plates.
- Ensure your child wears bright clothes or a reflector band.
- Attend transport information meetings at the school when scheduled.
Departmental Contact Details by Province for Transport Queries
| Province | Transport Office Contact | Working Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 011 355 1000 | [email protected] | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| KZN | 033 341 1600 | [email protected] | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Eastern Cape | 040 608 4300 | [email protected] | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Limpopo | 015 290 7600 | [email protected] | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Western Cape | 021 467 2000 | [email protected] | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Although the R870 is a transport support, not cash, it remains a crucial benefit for low-income families facing hardship. Parents are urged to act quickly and ensure that applications are complete, timely, and follow all the guidelines mentioned. This initiative is part of the larger effort by the Department of Basic Education to make schooling accessible, safe, and equal for every child in South Africa.
FAQs of Free School Transport Subsidy
Q1: Will I get R870 in my bank account?
No, the subsidy is not paid in cash—it covers transport arrangements directly.
Q2: Can learners in private schools apply?
No, only learners in public schools registered under DBE are eligible.
Q3: What if my child lives 4.9 km away?
Only learners 5 km or more from school qualify. Exceptions are rarely granted.
Q4: Is this subsidy for July only?
No, the R870 subsidy covers both July and August 2025 term.
Q5: What if I missed the deadline?
Late applications may be considered if transport slots remain open, but there is no guarantee.