The Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA), through its long-standing involvement in public transport has become known as The Voice of the Bus and Coach Industry. Established in 1980, SABOA is a not for profit, member driven Association, focused on creating an inclusive, efficient, sustainable, and transforming bus and coach industry.

The bus and coach industry in South Africa play a vital role in the economic and social development of the country. As a provider of transport services, it has and continues to provide daily mobility to millions of people who are dependent on public transport.

SABOA’s membership base comprises bus and coach operators involved in commuter services, learner transport services, charter services, tourist transport services, long-distance and cross-border services. SABOA also collaborates with and is supported by suppliers to the industry, referred to as Associate members. The value chain extension and offering to the industry facilitates ongoing access to expertise, experience and service offerings resulting in collaborative value add for the Association and the industry.

The Association plays a key role in the transport policy formulation process and is an active and credible participant in the consultative platforms of Government. SABOA is committed to representing the interest of its members and the industry at large through its lobbying, research, education, and empowerment initiatives.

SABOA has been actively involved in establishing and promoting training in the industry. These initiatives saw it partnering with the University of Johannesburg, to introduce training programmes tailored to meet the needs of the industry. The three-year Diploma in Road Transport has been successful in training and empowering thousands of bus company employees since the inception of the qualification. SABOA has also partnered with the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) in the establishment of learnerships in the industry and skills training programmes for SME’s.

As The Voice of the Bus and Coach Industry in South Africa, SABOA is committed to forming and strengthening relations with key stakeholders to ensure ongoing representation and positive influence for all participants in the bus and coach industry.