Covid-19: Taxi industry and Transport Department reach agreement
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) had earlier raised concerns about the impact of the lockdown on their businesses.
Taxi operators and the Department of Transport have reached an agreement over regulations governing the taxi industry during the current national lockdown period.
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The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) had earlier raised concerns about the impact of the lockdown on their businesses.
Lockdown regulations only allowed taxis to operate at specified times in the mornings and afternoons transporting essential services workers.
Santaco threatened government with a national shutdown should these regulations not be relaxed.
“We met with the taxi industry yesterday.
“There were issues raised in terms of the times that were in the regulations.
“There were also issues raised in terms of the number of passengers in the minibus taxis.
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“We have engaged with the taxi industry with the view of resolving all these concerns,” said Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula on Tuesday afternoon.
Santaco has announced the suspension of their shutdown following engagements with the Department of Transport.
A joint media briefing between the two parties will be held on Wednesday where they will clarify the new and relaxed regulations for the taxi industry.
While regulations for the taxi industry are expected to be adjusted, Mbalula reminded people that public transport will remain prohibited throughout the lockdown period and will only be available for essential services workers and for those with permits to travel.
He also urged people not to travel long distances to get groceries.
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