Great news for job seekers! Getting to interviews and job opportunities just got a whole lot easier—and cheaper. Phase 2 of the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme is here, and it’s offering FREE transport for job seekers to help you land that job.
Whether you’re heading to an interview, training session, or your first day at work, this upgraded programme brings bigger benefits and easier access to support your journey into employment—without costing you a cent!
If you’ve ever struggled with the high cost of transport while trying to attend interviews or start your dream job, this is the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. No more worrying about bus fares or train tickets; this programme is here to ensure that your journey to success is just a little bit easier. Here’s everything you need to know about how free transport for job seekers can open doors to your new future!
What’s the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme All About?
The Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme was created to help unemployed residents of the Western Cape overcome one of the biggest challenges they face in finding work: the cost of transport. Whether it’s for attending interviews, participating in training sessions, or making your way to your first day at work, transportation costs can be a major obstacle.
Since it was first introduced in February 2024, the programme has already made a significant impact, with over 3,700 job seekers registered across the province. Through this initiative, job seekers have gained access to free travel, allowing them to pursue opportunities without the financial stress of getting to where they need to be.
Now, Phase 2 has launched with some exciting new changes that will help even more people access these invaluable benefits!
Phase 2: What’s New?
You’re going to love the updates in Phase 2, which aim to make the programme even easier and more flexible for job seekers like you. Here’s what’s new:
- Self-Registration Online:
Forget about needing an employer to register you for the programme! In Phase 2, job seekers can now register directly online. It’s fast, simple, and removes the middleman, making it easier than ever for you to get started on your journey toward finding work. - Six Free Trips on Each Voucher:
In Phase 2, your travel voucher gives you six free trips, which means you have more than enough opportunities to attend interviews, skills workshops, and even your first day at work! These trips are valid from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, ensuring you have the flexibility to attend those all-important appointments. - Extended Duration:
The programme is now available until March 31, 2026! That’s plenty of time for you to take full advantage of this incredible opportunity. Whether you’re job hunting now or planning for the future, you’ll have ample time to register and use your free transport to find and secure the perfect job. - Expanded Employer Partnerships:
More employers in Cape Town are now partnering with the programme, which means even more job opportunities for you to take advantage of! Employers who register can offer free travel vouchers to their new employees, so you won’t have to worry about transport costs when you land that dream job.
Why Free Transport for Job Seekers is a Game-Changer
Let’s face it—getting to a job interview or training session isn’t always as easy as hopping on a bus or catching a taxi. For many, the cost of daily transport can be a huge barrier to even starting the job-seeking process. This is where the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme steps in, offering free transport for job seekers and giving you a fair shot at employment without the extra burden.
With this programme, you can:
- Attend job interviews without worrying about how to pay for transport.
- Participate in skills development or training courses that will make you more attractive to employers.
- Travel to your first day of work with confidence, knowing you have the support you need to succeed.
In communities like Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, and Philippi, where many residents face unemployment and the cost of transport is a significant hurdle, this programme is a lifeline. It’s not just about free travel; it’s about removing barriers, boosting confidence, and ultimately helping you land that job that could change your life.
How to Apply and Get Your Free Transport
Getting started with the programme is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can apply:
- Register Online: Visit the official programme portal and complete the job seeker registration prompts.
- Collect Your Gold Card: After registering, present your ID at any Golden Arrow kiosk to collect your gold card. This card will allow you to travel for free to interviews, training, and other job-related activities.
That’s it! Once you’ve collected your card, you’re ready to start using your free transport and heading toward your next job opportunity.
The Pathway from Unemployment to Opportunity
- Breaking Down Barriers: Transport costs have long been a major obstacle for many residents trying to access job opportunities, training, and interviews.
- A Fair Shot for All: Muneera Allie, Head of Communications for the Western Cape Mobility Department, emphasized that many job seekers are capable and motivated but face the financial barrier of transport.
- Opening Doors to Opportunities: The Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme aims to provide job seekers with the chance to attend interviews and start work, opening doors to new career possibilities.
- Proven Impact: Data from Phase 1 showed that those who received travel vouchers had a much higher chance of:
- Attending interviews.
- Securing work.
- Participating in skills development.
- Growth for Jobs Strategy: The programme is aligned with the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which strives to build an inclusive and resilient economy.
- Phase 2: A Step Forward: Phase 2 offers:
- Online registration for easier access.
- Six free trips for more opportunities.
- An extended duration until 2026 to ensure long-term support.
This phase removes transport barriers, giving even more job seekers a fair shot at success!
Whether you’re looking for your first job, a new career, or training to improve your skills, this programme is here to help you succeed. Don’t miss out—register today and take the first step toward your bright future!
Credit: Robin Francke, IOL
