Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, has kept the 70% passenger- capacity in place as the country moves to lockdown level 3.
Taxi transport users expressed views relating to the implementation of this protocol.
Soshanguve based Thabang Sekgobela (45), a self-employed owner of a taxi, said the problem is with the taxi bosses who expect the same income from their drivers as if there is no COVID Lockdown. This forces the taxi drivers to overload their cars beyond the protocols and this is wrong,” said Mr Sekgobela.
A commuter, Mr Abel Makamu (29), said he is a witness to the overloading. ”One thing that worries me is to see our taxi drivers defying the rule of 70% capacity of passengers putting our lives in danger,” said Mr Makamu.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) urged commuters to report overloaded taxis.
‘‘Taxis loaded above 70% is equal to attempted murder. If you ever find yourself in an overloaded taxi, we appeal to you, report it. Take the registration numbers, the time and the route on which the incident happened and send the information to 073 35 68 500,’’ SANTACO said.
