Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula. Image via: Alet Pretorius / Gallo
Mbalula backtracks: 70% loading capacity allowed for taxis
Hours after the directive that taxis could take 100% loading capacity, provided passengers wear masks, Mbalula rescinded the decision.
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula. Image via: Alet Pretorius / Gallo
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has, in the last 24 hours, had to swallow his pride and rescind the directive that taxis can take 100% loading capacity during the lockdown. After what the department described as a number of “enquiries” and “queries,” Mbalula had little choice but to rethink his decision.
“The ministry and the department have since reviewed this measure and will only apply a 70% loading capacity for minibus taxis,” the statement said on Wednesday 1 April.
Mbalula gives the go-ahead for 100% loading capacity in taxis
The Department of Transport, in this case, is trying to cover all bases during lockdown, however, it doesn’t seem possible.
Mbalula said the reduction in taxi loading capacity was intended to promote social distancing. The next problem was then making sure taxi drivers were not operating at a loss either.
Mbalula, trying to juggle it all, said there could be full loading capacity at 100%, provided all the passengers wear masks.
“During the lockdown period, all minibus and midi-bus taxi vehicles are permitted to load their maximum 100% passenger loading capacity, provided that all passengers are wearing masks.”
The masks must be of the following categories:
- Surgical masks
- N95 respiratory masks.
Mbalula blasted for easing social distancing regulations
The department said that since the “100% taxi rule” was taken, it received a number of enquiries and queries from members of the public on the mitigation measures.
“The concerns were primarily around the 100% loading capacity and the utilisation of masks as a mitigation measure. The public was without comfort with these measures and urged that we reconsider. After our announcement of catering for 100%, there was a public outcry about the impact of such an arrangement to the health and safety of public transport users,” said Mbalula.
“We took these issues seriously and engaged with key stakeholders, resulting in a consensus of maximising the loading capacity to 70%. The ministry and the department have since reviewed this measure and will only apply a 70% loading capacity for minibus taxis. We urge the taxi industry to accept these declared measures,” he added.
“The minister has therefore rescinded the direction allowing 100% loading capacity for taxis with immediate effect,” he said.
The department is further urging members of the public and taxi operators to take preventative measures to mitigate against the spread of the coronavirus. 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 sanitisers to the public,” said Mbalula.
