Mbalula makes U-turn on 100% load for taxis
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has rescinded his decision to allow 100% loading capacity for minibus taxis under some circumstances.
Mbalula announced the new regulations at Noord Taxi Rank in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Mbalula said the new regulations will allow drivers to fill up 70% of vehicles if commuters are not wearing masks.
A 100% loading capacity would be allowed provided that all passengers are wearing surgical masks.
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The announcement resulted in a public outcry om the impact of such an arrangement to the health and safety of public transport users given the country’s coronavirus crisis.
The department's spokesperson Ayanda Allie-Payne says the minister considered the issues and engaged with key stakeholders, resulting in a consensus of maximizing the loading capacity at 70%.
"The minister has therefore rescinded the direction, allowing 100% loading capacity for taxis with immediate effect.
“We further urge members of the public and taxi operators to take preventative measures to mitigate against the spread of the virus.
"Government will undertake a programme to assist with the distribution of the masks. We also urge operators to continue to sanitise the taxi surfaces and to provide hand sanitizers to the public," Allie-Payne added.