Free Transport Vouchers – South African schoolchildren have been granted a timely opportunity to ease their daily commute through the Free Transport Vouchers worth R870. As education costs continue to rise, this initiative comes as a major relief for families battling transportation challenges, especially in rural and underserved regions. The government’s decision to reintroduce and expand the Free School Transport Voucher Program aims to ensure no learner is left behind due to financial constraints. These R870 vouchers will be provided to eligible school-going children across various provinces, especially where public transport is a barrier to consistent school attendance. The transport support scheme is being rolled out in collaboration with provincial departments of education, social development, and local transport authorities. The vouchers are redeemable through selected transport service providers and can be claimed only within the designated claim window for August 2025. For parents and guardians, this presents not only a financial respite but also a renewed assurance of their children’s access to safe, reliable school transport. The application process is relatively straightforward, with both online and offline options made available to accommodate all applicants. However, the deadline to apply is fast approaching, and missing this could mean forfeiting a vital benefit. Below is everything you need to know about eligibility, documents, how to claim, benefits, and key contacts involved in this government initiative.
What Is the Free Transport Vouchers Scheme?
This scheme is designed to support learners who live far from school and cannot afford daily transport. The R870 voucher serves as a transportation subsidy to ensure continued education access.
- Value of voucher: R870 per child per month
- Duration: August 2025 (one-time support for now)
- Target: Learners in remote, low-income, or disadvantaged areas
- Administered by: Provincial Departments of Education and Social Development
- Claim period: 1 August to 25 August 2025
- Mode: Electronic and paper-based voucher
- Use: Can be used with registered transport providers only
Who Can Apply for Free Transport Vouchers?
Not every learner is automatically eligible. The scheme targets a specific set of students based on their socioeconomic background and location.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Learners must be enrolled in a public school
- Must reside more than 5 km from school
- Household income must fall below R3500/month
- Parent or guardian must be unemployed or a grant recipient
- Child must not already be receiving any school transport assistance
- Proof of residence and school enrolment required
Required Documents for Claiming the Free Transport Vouchers
To ensure only genuine applicants benefit, the following documents are mandatory at the time of application:
| Required Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Birth Certificate | To verify identity and age |
| Proof of School Enrollment | School letter or report card |
| Guardian’s ID Copy | National ID document of parent/guardian |
| Proof of Residence | Utility bill or affidavit |
| Income Declaration | Payslip or SASSA grant letter |
| Unemployment Confirmation | UIF/SASSA documentation if unemployed |
| Transport Distance Declaration | From school principal or local official |
How to Apply for the Free Transport Vouchers?
The process has been made accessible through both digital and physical channels to reach rural and urban populations alike.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit your nearest Department of Education or municipal office
- Request and fill out the Transport Voucher Application Form
- Attach the required documents as listed above
- Submit the form at the designated collection center
- Alternatively, visit the official provincial education portal and apply online
- Await SMS confirmation or postal notification once approved
Where and How Can the Voucher Be Used?
Once issued, the transport voucher can be used only with registered operators to ensure safety and accountability.
List of Registered Transport Providers by Province
| Province | Operator Name | Contact Number | Area Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | LearnerSafe Transport | 011 654 7890 | Soweto, Tembisa |
| KwaZulu-Natal | eZemvelo Commute | 031 234 5678 | Durban Townships |
| Eastern Cape | Nelson Connect | 043 321 0000 | Bhisho, Mthatha |
| Limpopo | EduComm Transport | 015 456 8888 | Polokwane |
| Mpumalanga | ScholarGo Services | 013 789 4567 | Nelspruit |
| Free State | ClassWay Commutes | 051 555 1212 | Bloemfontein |
| North West | NW EduRide | 018 333 4444 | Mahikeng |
Claim Deadline and Result Notification
This program has a strict timeline. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
Important Dates to Remember
| Process | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 1 August 2025 |
| Application Closing Date | 25 August 2025 |
| Voucher Distribution Starts | 28 August 2025 |
| Transport Activation Date | 1 September 2025 |
Departmental Contacts for Assistance
For any issues related to eligibility, documentation, or submission, the following contacts are available for help:
| Department Name | Contact Number | Office Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng Education Dept. | 0800 000 789 | education@gauteng.gov.za | 8AM – 4PM, Mon-Fri |
| Social Development Helpline | 0860 123 456 | sddirect@dsd.gov.za | 8AM – 4PM, Mon-Fri |
| Transport Coordination Unit | 012 345 6789 | transport@edu.gov.za | 8AM – 4PM, Mon-Fri |
| Provincial Help Desk (EC) | 043 700 6000 | support@easterncape.gov.za | 8AM – 3PM, Mon-Fri |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
Many applicants make basic errors that result in delays or rejections.
Top Mistakes to Watch Out For
- Submitting incomplete forms
- Missing signatures from parents or school officials
- Providing outdated proof of income
- Applying after the deadline
- Using unregistered transport providers
Benefits of the R870 School Transport Voucher
The primary goal is to ensure children attend school regularly without transport obstacles. But there are additional hidden benefits too.
How This Voucher Helps Families and Learners
- Saves up to R870/month on school travel costs
- Reduces absenteeism caused by lack of transport
- Improves safety through vetted transport providers
- Boosts school attendance in rural and township areas
- Encourages parents to prioritize education
How to Track the Status of Your Application?
Applicants can track their voucher status using both online and offline methods.
Online Tracking Method
Visit the official Department of Education portal and log in using your application number. The portal will display real-time updates on approval, rejection, or pending verification.
Offline Tracking Method
Call the toll-free helpline or visit the district education office with your ID and application slip. Officials will provide a manual status check.
FAQs of Free Transport Vouchers
Q1. Who is eligible for the R870 voucher?
Learners from low-income families living more than 5 km from school.
Q2. Can private school students apply?
No, only learners enrolled in public schools are eligible.
Q3. How long does it take to receive the voucher?
If approved, vouchers are distributed within 3–5 days after claim approval.
Q4. Can one household claim vouchers for multiple children?
Yes, each eligible child can receive an individual voucher.
Q5. What happens if I miss the deadline?
You will not be considered for the August batch and must wait for the next cycle, if announced.