SEVERAL taxi associations – ARMSTA, SANTACO, Top Six Taxi Association, have vowed to shut down operations as from Monday as a protest against a relief package announced by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula.
The taxi associations described the government’s R1.135 billion relief package offered was ‘a slap in the face’. They have advised the government that they will be withdrawing their services as from Monday when the shutdown begins.
Despite the taxi industry being responsible for over 60% of South African commuters, it did not receive subsidy from the government like the buses.
Under the lockdown, taxis are also required to limit the maximum number of passengers to 70% of the licensed capacity while passengers are required to wear face masks and the vehicles must be sanitised regularly in between trips.
Mbalula announced on Friday that government has offered the taxi industry R1.135 billion to aid thousands of taxis and their operators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said this was among the largest relief packages for any economic subsectors provided for by government.
Most subsectors of government received an average maximum of R350 million, but taxi relief support was the highest, Mbalula said.
Commuters are advised to seek alternative mode of transportation.
