A bus driver has been shot and seriously wounded in Soweto as taxi operators protested against the Bus Rapid Transit System, Johannesburg emergency services confirmed.

"The driver of the Putco bus was picking up passengers near the Merafe hostel. He was approached by a person or persons who allegedly shot at him whilst he was in the driver's seat," said spokesman Percy Morokane.

"People who were inside the bus and preparing to get into the bus got such a shock that they fled in all directions.

"A Good Samaritan took him to the Jabulani fire station where he was in a serious condition. He was stabilised and taken to the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital," said Morokane.

The shooting incident happened at 5:40am as stranded commuters queued for alternative transport. "At this stage we cannot rule out the possibility that it might be linked to the taxi strike but we'll leave it to the relevant authorities to investigate," said Morokane.

Taxi protesters are expected to congregate from 9am on Tuesday at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg metro police said on Monday.

Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the protest march would proceed along Bree Street, turn right into Simmonds street and go to Beyers Naude Square.

It was expected to finish by 2.30pm.

During the protest, traffic would be affected and motorists were advised to avoid Bree and Simmonds Street.

The Bus Rapid Transit System is a new streamlined bus service the government is introducing which taxi operators believe will steal business from them.

Sapa