Effective tomorrow, 30 March 2020 until Friday, 3 April 2020 buses and taxis will be allowed to operate from 05:00 to 20:00 in order to cater for grant recipient’s transportation needs.
Following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that grants will be paid early https://kaenews.co.za/blog/sassa-to-pay-grants-early/health/corona-virus/ the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula has relaxed the National Lockdown Public Transport operating hours.
On the first day of the National Lockdown, 27 March 2020, taxis were only allowed to operate during morning and afternoon peak times from 05:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 20:00. https://kaenews.co.za/blog/taxis-will-continue-to-operate-during-lockdown/health/corona-virus/
In order to accommodate grant beneficiaries and representations from the taxi industry including the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), Mbalula permitted taxis to operate from 05:00 to 20:00 next week. The exercise of social distancing by those using public transport must be observed.
Grant recipients are required to carry their Identity Documents (IDs) and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards and essential workers are required to carry work permits and IDs when traveling on public transport to assist law enforcement’s efforts to enforce regulations.
SANTACO which is the mouthpiece for all taxis in South Africa welcomed the decision. The body held a meeting today to amongst others discuss the transportation of the elderly for pension payouts, the inconsistencies in the regulations and their impact on the taxi industry.
SANTACO took to Twitter to welcome the decision “As of tomorrow, taxis will operate from 5am-8pm Monday to Friday. One problem solved, we are confident we will be able to find an amicable solution”.
