Govt left in the dust as SANTACO instructs taxis to load at full capacity

Govt left in the dust as SANTACO instructs taxis to load at full capacity

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) President Philip Taaibosch says all taxis across the country must load at 100% capacity from Monday. 

Taxis, taxi strike
Steve Bhengu

"Whether the Minister approves or not approves. All taxis must load 100 percent capacity," says Taaibosch. 


"All long-distance taxis must resume operations, and we are also indicating that no permits will be wanted for passengers who get into the long-distance taxi," he says. 


SANTACO's decision breaks the COVID-19 restrictions that state taxis must load at 70% capacity during Level 3 lockdown.


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Addressing the media on Sunday, Taaibosch says they took the decision amidst the frustrations and lack of direction from government.


"We are aware that law enforcement will want to impound our taxis. Our vehicles have been impounded since day 1 of the lockdown with a  charge of at least R5 000. 


"Operators will have no option to park all their taxis countrywide until the impounded taxis are released, and we are allowed to continue with our work." 


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