It’s not yet clear what the Competition Commission will be focusing on in the inquiry into the public transport market it announced last week. But there can be no question that pricing and competition in this market affect the lives of tens of millions of South Africans. They are crucial for economic outcomes too, given that 70% to 80% of the workforce relies on public transport, so its cost and availability affect wage pressures and productivity. The commission has so far flagged issues such as the gap between subsidised bus services and unsubsidised minibus taxis, as well as responding to complaints that taxis, Uber operators, most buses and the Gautrain set prices without consulting the Department of Transport. The commission, which expects the probe to last two years, may not find it easy. There are some aggressive operators within the often conflict-ridden industry. The commission needs to pursue its investigations without fear or favour. It will have to show it has the capacit...
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