Late-Night Travel: Best Safety Practices for Women Using Public Transport in Gauteng

The Importance of Safety for Women in Public Transport

Gauteng’s Commitment to Women’s Safety in Transport

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport launched the Public Transport Women’s Help Desk in 2025 to address the specific challenges women face in the transport sector. This initiative offers legal support, resources, and mechanisms for reporting abuse, focusing on transforming public transport into a safer, more inclusive environment for women.

Plan Your Journey in Advance

• Choose well-known routes and stops that are busy and well-lit.
• Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member.
• Check public transport schedules ahead of time to minimize waiting periods.
• Consider booking registered e-hailing services rather than unregulated options.

Stay Vigilant and Aware

• Keep your belongings close and secure at all times.
• Avoid distractions like loud music or phone use that can reduce your awareness.
• Be alert to your surroundings and the behaviour of others.
• Trust your instincts; if something feels off, seek a safe area or assistance immediately.

Travel in Groups Where Possible

• Travel with friends or colleagues, especially during late hours.
• If you must travel alone, try to remain in public, populated spaces.
• Board and exit vehicles where there are other people around, avoiding isolated or dark areas.

Be Assertive and Set Boundaries

• If you experience harassment or inappropriate behaviour, firmly and calmly state your discomfort.
• Report incidents immediately to authorities or through available transport sector support channels.
• Do not hesitate to decline rides or switch vehicles if you feel unsafe.

Dress and Prepare for Visibility

• Wear bright or reflective clothing if you will be walking to stops or waiting at night, enhancing your visibility to drivers and passersby.
• Consider outfit options that allow for mobility and changing into the desired outfit once you’ve reached your destination.
• Carry a small personal safety device such as a whistle, taser, pepper spray (where legal), or a personal alarm.
• Keep you safety device concealed until the moment calls for it to be used – ensure it is accessible.
• Consider shining a bright light in the attacker’s eyes; this should stun them for a few seconds.

Precautionary: Advocate and Support Women’s Safety Initiatives

• Get involved with community forums or advocacy groups focusing on women’s safety in public transport.
• Encourage local transport associations and authorities to prioritise safety upgrades such as CCTV cameras, better lighting, and driver training.
• Learn about self-defense (take classes or use online resources).
• Understand crime statistics, eg. areas that are more dangerous.

Use Technology to Enhance Safety

Women travelling late at night should take advantage of smartphone safety and navigation apps designed to enhance personal security. Many apps allow you to share your real-time location with trusted contacts, so someone knows your whereabouts throughout your journey.

Navigation apps can help you monitor your route to ensure your ride is headed in the right direction, alerting you if the vehicle deviates unexpectedly. Some e-hailing apps include built-in safety features such as driver identification, live trip tracking, and emergency buttons that connect you to authorities instantly.

What to Do in an Emergency

• Memorise emergency contacts including local police, family, or friends.
• If in danger, seek immediate refuge in a public place or a business.
• Call emergency services promptly and provide as much detail as possible about your location and situation.
• Report the incident to your transport provider and local authorities to help prevent future occurrences.

Empowering Women to Travel Safely After Dark

Late-night travel on public transport in Gauteng presents challenges, but by taking proactive safety measures, women can protect themselves and travel with greater confidence. Planning ahead, staying vigilant, using technology effectively, and knowing how to respond in emergencies are essential steps toward safer journeys.

Gauteng’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Public Transport Women’s Help Desk, demonstrate a commitment to transforming transport spaces into secure environments for women. Ultimately, safety is a shared responsibility among passengers, transport providers, and authorities. Empowered with knowledge and resources, women can navigate public transport after dark more securely and independently.

Remember, your safety matters, trust your instincts, speak up when needed, and use the tools and support available to make every journey a safe one.