The workshop was also used as an opportunity to showcase the Rea Vaya BRT-minibus taxi integration and inspire participating cities.

Transport leaders from Freetown, Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Tshwane, and Accra gathered in Johannesburg in search of pathways to reforming and transforming the informal public transport sector.

"We are committed to transforming the city’s public transport system into a people-centered system and we recognise the improvement of the minibus taxi industry, that it is a key contributor for achieving this vision and for reducing inequality and creating sustainable green jobs," Kunene said.

Kunene also revealed that the minibus taxis account for around 72% of the city’s total public transport share and although the challenge is huge, the city will continue to work to make the city of Johannesburg a global model for people-centric and zero-emissions public transport.

"Good public transport is about more than just efficient operations and contracting, its also about the out of vehicle experience, the infrastructure of public transport interchanges, pedestrian and commuter facilities and designing attractive systems for users," Kunene added.

The workshop created new peer-to-peer networks for cities to access support and knowledge on the question of paratransit/informal transport reform and bus modernisation.

Other key learnings highlighted during the workshop included considering inclusive and integrated informal public transport reforms that can improve air quality, work conditions, road safety, create green jobs and foster inclusive cities.