Public transport lockdown restrictions have been eased after scores of nurses were stranded last week.
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula issued new directives to extend public transport operating times and increased loading capacity. The new directives will allow taxis to load to 70% capacity. Drivers will be allowed to fill the taxi only if all the passengers are wearing medical-grade surgical masks.
Taxis will be allowed to operate from 4am to 11am, however, passengers may only board between 5am and 10am, and 4pm and 8pm.
MyCiTi and Golden Arrow buses will operate from 5am until 10am and again from 4pm until 8pm. All bus drivers have been issued with masks and gloves and sanitiser will be placed next to the validators on MyCiTi buses. Sanitiser will also be made available at MyCiTi boarding at stations.
E-hailing and metered-taxis may only transport passengers between 5am and 10am and again from 4pm to 8pm and may only load to 50% capacity.
Companies will be allowed to make transport arrangements for workers who are rendering essential services according to their shifts and schedules. The shifts, schedules or timetables should be stamped and signed by the relevant manager.
Transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela a provincial transport coordinating committee would meet daily to address public-transport issues.
“I’m urging public transport operators to please adhere to the strict health and safety measures as issued by the national government,”he said. “These measures oblige all operators to ensure that public transport vehicles are sanitised before picking up and after dropping off passengers; to sanitise all door and window handles, armrests and handrails before picking up and dropping off passengers; and to ensure that all public transport vehicles are clean and tidy.” Commuters can visit the MyCiTi website at www.myciti.org.za for regular updates; use the MyCiTi app, follow on Twitter @MyCiTiBus or phone the Transport Information Centre at 0800 65 64 63 – the TIC is available 24/7. Golden Arrow passengers can also call the TIC or go to www.gabs.co.za
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