Passengers face full-body spray downs as Gautrain and limited buses reopen
Some public transport reopens in Gauteng, with strong measures in place to avoid virus transmission.
Seating on provincial buses will be reduced by half. Image: Twitter
Passengers arriving at Gautrain stations will have to step through full-body sanitisers as just one of the measures in place to keep virus infections to a minimum on public transport.
The Gautrain’s operators were quick to point out that the sprays are harmless and pose no danger to anyone.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula posted a video of himself stepping through one of the spraying devices on Monday morning.
A full body sanitizer at all Gautrain Stations.
Another measure on top of others to protect our people against corona. #LockdownSA pic.twitter.com/V5IB7ELQA4
— ANC SG & RSA MINISTER| Cde Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) May 4, 2020
The department of transport has made it clear that strict social distancing will be enforced on all buses and trains, with half of all seats being blocked to avoid close contact.
No standing will be allowed either to avoid any further contact while moving.
All passengers and staff are required to wear masks in stations and while travelling.
“All customer-facing staff will be screened for Covid-19. Staff will be screened for fever throughout the day and have been asked to stay at home if they have any symptoms. Likewise, we appeal to our passengers to also stay at home if they are unwell,” said the Gautrain company.
Rea Vaya buses will operate during peak times in the morning and afternoon.
“We will be operating a full schedule on Monday 4 May 2020 and this will help reduce higher number of passengers at stations,” the company said.
Both Metrorail and Prasa services remain closed for the time being, while authorities determine the best way to enforce social distancing on these services.
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