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Covid-19: Transport minister rescinds 100% loading direction

Transport Fikile Mbalula said that due to concerns from the public, the department has decided to allow for only 70 per cent capacity in taxis.

Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula has rescinded the ministerial direction allowing 100 per cent loading capacity for taxis with immediate effect.

On 1 April, Mbalula said that taxis would be allowed to have full capacity on the condition that passengers wear surgical or N95 masks. In a statement, the department said, “We have received a number of enquiries and queries from members of the public on the mitigation measures. The concerns were primarily around the 100 per cent loading capacity and the utilisation of masks as a mitigation measure.”

The department said that it took these concerns seriously and has engaged with key stakeholders, resulting in a consensus of maximising the loading capacity to 70 per cent.

“We urge the taxi industry to accept these declared measures. New ministerial directions to this effect will be published in due course for immediate implementation.”

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